ECOFest 2024: UIN Jakarta Equips Future Leaders for Islamic Economic Transformation

Main Auditorium, UIN News Online — UIN Jakarta's Sharia Economics Program successfully hosted ECOFest 2024, a national seminar merging the drive for Islamic economic development with youth participation in democracy. Held on Friday, (08/11/2024), the event brought together experts, practitioners, and students to discuss the vital role of youth in advancing Islamic finance in Indonesia.

With the theme "Optimizing the Role of Rabbani Economics through Transformative Sharia Principles and Youth Potential," ECOFest 2024 aimed to cultivate young economists who not only excel in Sharia economics but are also engaged with pressing national issues, including democratic processes.

In his keynote address, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Prof. Dr. Ibnu Qizam, SE., M.Si., Ak., CA., commended the event’s objectives. He highlighted how the theme aligns with UIN Jakarta’s vision as a “green campus” promoting environmental preservation. "Students of the Sharia Economics Program should be trailblazers in sustainable resource management and waste reduction," he noted.

Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Institutional Development, Din Wahid, MA, Ph.D., opened the event, stressing the significance of youth — particularly Sharia economics students — in spearheading Indonesia’s leadership in Islamic finance. "As a majority-Muslim nation, Indonesia should take a leading role in Islamic economic advancement," he said.

The event featured engaging panel discussions led by key figures in Islamic finance, including Putri Almainda Kamila (Economist at Bank Indonesia’s Department of Islamic Economics and Finance), Yoga Aditya Herlambang (President Commissioner of Bank Syariah Indonesia), and M. Hasbi Zaenal, Ph.D. (Director of the Center for Strategy and Studies, BAZNAS). They provided in-depth insights on the current Islamic economic landscape, youth-driven opportunities, and the role of zakat in inclusive education.

ECOFest also featured cultural performances, a presentation by the General Election Commission (KPU) on the importance of electoral participation, and a documentary screening on democracy. The Chair of Banten's KPU emphasized the critical role of public engagement in the electoral process as a measure of a healthy democracy.

Head of the Sharia Economics Program, Ali Rama, S.E., M.Ex., Ph.D., expressed hopes that ECOFest would be a stepping stone in developing knowledgeable, socially responsible future leaders. "Through ECOFest, we aim to empower students to actively contribute to Indonesia's economic development," he remarked.

More than just an academic gathering, ECOFest 2024 served as a platform for youth to build connections and collaborate. With a spirit of innovation and unity, participants are expected to emerge as agents of positive change, ready to make a meaningful impact on society and the nation.