Islamic Economic Growth & Financial Inclusion Can Help Achieve Economic Equality
Jakarta – The government has emphasized that strengthening the Islamic economy and finance is a strategic instrument in promoting national economic equality.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, stated that Indonesia’s Islamic financial assets increased significantly from IDR 6,193 trillion in 2021 to IDR 10,257 trillion in 2025.
“This positive performance demonstrates that the Islamic economy is increasingly becoming a crucial pillar supporting national economic growth and expanding business opportunities for the community,” he said.
Airlangga explained that this increase was driven by the acceleration of Halal Product Certification and growing public interest in halal economic sectors such as Muslim fashion, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and Muslim-friendly tourism.
This increased competitiveness is also reflected in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator 2024–2025, where Indonesia successfully rose to third place in the world.
Airlangga believes this achievement illustrates Indonesia’s growing position as a center for the Islamic economy with a maturing ecosystem.
However, Airlangga highlighted the ongoing challenge of financial literacy.
“The gap between Islamic financial literacy and inclusion remains a challenge,” he said.
He also emphasized that Islamic financial services have not been optimally utilized.
“It’s not just about Sharia; our financial literacy is still around 66 percent, but compared to other OECD countries, our benchmark is already above OECD countries at 62 percent. So, this can actually be encouraged to be more widely mastered by the public,” he explained.
The government’s commitment to strengthening Islamic financial inclusion is reflected in various programs, including the acceleration of National Halal Certification, which by October 2025 had issued 3 million halal certificates.
The government also continues to expand Islamic financing, particularly through the Islamic People’s Business Credit (KUR), which from 2015 to November 2025 had reached IDR 89.04 trillion to 1.47 million borrowers.
“This achievement reflects the effectiveness of Islamic financing in expanding access to capital, strengthening the resilience of MSMEs, and encouraging more equitable and sustainable financial inclusion,” explained Airlangga.
Meanwhile, BSI Chief Economist, Banjaran Surya Indrastomo, predicted that national economic growth in 2026 could reach 5.28 percent.
“We assess that economic growth in 2026 will reach 5.28 percent,” he said.
He added that household consumption, the realization of priority government programs, and the strengthening of the Islamic economy are the main pillars of national economic resilience.
With these developments, the Islamic economy is considered capable of expanding economic equality while strengthening the foundation of Indonesia’s long-term growth.
