VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

As a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia has the opportunity to become a major player in the global sharia economy and the halal industry. Moreover, developments in the Islamic economic sector have experienced significant growth.

When opening the Commemoration of National Santri Day 2021 and the Launching of the New Logo of the Sharia Economic Community at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday, (22/10), President Joko Widodo said that from 2018 until late 2020, Indonesia's sharia economy continued to climb in rank,. It was ranked 4th in the  world. However, the President asked people not to be complacent. He also emphasized that there is a need for synergistic efforts among stakeholders so that the sharia economy can grow even faster.

What President Joko Widodo said should be observed and it becomes an important reference for the Islamic economic community. They should become a down-to-earth  sharia economic locomotive, touch the people's economy, and drive an inclusive economy. The Islamic economic community is expected to give birth to many entrepreneurs, mainly from the santris, Islamic boarding school students.

The question is whether there have been any serious efforts made in encouraging micro, small and medium-sized businesses that have been created to go digital.For example, they can enter online stores, marketplaces, e-commerce, and can also enter national and global supply chains. In addition, Indonesian entrepreneurs are expected to become major players in the development of the global halal industry.

The Indonesian government has certainly thought about these things. It is known that the Government has prepared various financing schemes to support the growth of new entrepreneurs, especially from the santris.

Thus, pesantren, the Islamic boarding schools and their students can take advantage of these various financing programs properly so that they can play a greater role in strengthening the people's economy.

Therefore, the entrepreneurs from the students and graduates of Islamic boarding schools must continue to be encouraged to create job opportunities and spread wider benefits, and play a more active role in becoming entrepreneurs with a social spirit.