VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin said the populist economic system in Indonesia could be strong and competitive if we supported it by two main pillars, namely empowerment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and strengthening of Islamic social funds.

"The populist economy in this country will be strong and competitive if it is supported by two main pillars. These two pillars must get the attention of all groups," said Ma'ruf Amin virtually from Jakarta, Friday.

The first pillar, namely the empowerment of MSMEs, can be a gateway for the realization of economic justice and fair distribution of development outcomes in Indonesia, said Ma'ruf. In addition, MSMEs are an economic sector that is mostly found among people in the regions.

"The first pillar is the movement to empower micro, small and medium enterprises as a sector that reaches the most people. In addition, most of the Nahdlatul Ulama residents are also engaged in the MSME sector," he said.

The second pillar, continued Ma'ruf, is a philanthropic movement or generosity including zakat, infaq, alms, and waqf, which are a form of Islamic social funds.

The potential for social funds among NU is large because as the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, NU has nahdliyin up to 100 million people, said Ma'ruf. Therefore, the awareness to give charity for Muslims must continue to encourage productive MSMEs and national economic recovery.

"If we continue to raise awareness of zakat, alms, and waqf, then use it as productive capital for millions of active MSMEs in cities and villages, then this will be a differentiating factor for national economic development," he said.

Ma'ruf Amin also encouraged the role of the NU Amil Zakat Institute or NUcare-LAZISNU to socialize and inviting people to give charity through these types of Islamic social funds.

"LAZISNU has started a good job in mobilizing NU residents through the Infaq Box Movement or NU KOIN which has been evenly distributed everywhere," he said.

On that occasion, Ma'ruf Amin appreciated the role of nahdliyin entrepreneurs in supporting the development of the Islamic economy as a fresh stream of economic development in Indonesia, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"As Vice President, as a member of the NU extended family and as the Chief Executive of the KNEKS, I am thrilled with HPN's support to join in the development of the Islamic economy as a new stream of economic development in Indonesia," he said. (Antaranews)