Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia during Commemoration of the 2021 National Santri Day and the Launching Ceremony of New Logo of the Sharia Economic Community, 22 October 2021 at the State Palace, Jakarta
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Alhamdulillahirabbil ‘alamin, washalatu wasalamu ‘ala asrafil ambiya’i wal mursalin, sayyidina wa habibina wa syafiina wa maulana Muhammadin, wa ‘ala alihi wasahbihi ajma’in. Amma ba’du. (Introduction of speech in Islamic fashion)
Distinguished Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Bapak Professor Doctor Kiai Haji Ma’ruf Amin who is also Chairperson of Board of Trustees of Sharia Economic Community;
Distinguished Head of Supreme Audit Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BPK RI);
Distinguished Ulemas, Kiai, Habaib, Religious Leaders, and Leaders of Islamic Boarding Schools;
Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet;
Distinguished Governor of Bank Indonesia;
Distinguished Chairperson and Board Members of Sharia Economic Community;
Santri (students of Islamic boarding schools) across the nation;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I have reiterated the message that Indonesia, as a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, must become a major player in sharia economy and halal industry in the world. Indonesia must become the center of the world’s sharia economy. And thank God, our sharia economy is developing relatively fast.
Based on data from The State of Global Islamic Economy Indicator Report, Indonesia’s sharia economic sector has experienced a significant growth year after year. In 2018, Indonesia’s sharia economy was listed in the world’s top ten. That was in 2018. In 2019, it was ranked 15th. As previously stated by the Vice President, in 2020 Indonesia’s sharia economy was ranked fourth in the world.
However, we should not be complacent. The cooperation among stakeholders is needed so that our sharia economy will grow even faster. And that is the important role that the Sharia Economic Community must play.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have a high expectation for the Sharia Economic Community to become a bridge for all stakeholders of the sharia economy, to build a sharia economic ecosystem in our country Indonesia, and to build an inclusive economy that empowers us and is able to withstand various kinds of crises.
As a community organization, the Sharia Economic Community is expected to become the locomotive for the development of a well implemented sharia economy which directly impacts the people’s economy, produces more entrepreneurs from Santri, and drives an inclusive economy.
To that end, we must encourage the emergence of more entrepreneurs from Santri and alumni of Islamic boarding schools. The orientation of Santri should no longer be looking for job, but creating job opportunities for many people and spreading the widest possible benefits to the people.
The role of education in Islamic boarding schools, Islamic schools, and Islamic higher education is very strategic in producing graduates who are innovative and entrepreneurial, competitive in the job market, and successful in becoming social entrepreneurs.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The entrepreneurial spirit that starts to grow must be followed by the acceleration of financial inclusion. The financing access support is very important for the growth of new entrepreneurs. To that end, the Government has prepared various schemes, including the micro financing Mekaar, the small business financing KUR and the Micro Waqf Bank. I hope that the Islamic boarding schools and Santri can make the most of various financing programs, so that Islamic boarding schools and Santri can play a greater role in strengthening the people’s economy.
Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance of digital transformation. We must continue to encourage our micro, small and medium enterprises to go digital, access online stores, access marketplace, access e-commerce, access national and global supply chains, and become a major player in the growth of halal industry on the global stage.
That concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion. And by saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, this morning I officially launch the new logo of the Sharia Economic Community and I wish you a happy National Santri Day. Good luck in your contribution to the progress of the nation.
I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (RI/MUR)