Arsjad Rasjid's View on Sharia Economics and MES

Arsjad Rasjid and Sharia economy are inseparable. As a successful businessman, as well as the head of various reputable organisations and companies, the Pepperdine University alumnus has always given enormous support to the development of this Islamic Sharia-based economic system. In fact, he is currently the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Economics Society (MES).

In a conversation with Dr Dripa Sjabana on the MESSAGE Podcast YouTube channel themed 'Real Realisation of Entrepreneurs Strengthening Sharia Economy', it was revealed that Arsjad Rasjid provides full support to increase the pace of the Sharia economy.

The great potential of the Sharia economy in Indonesia

"Sharia Economic Society is an ecosystem, based on Sharia," Arsjad explained when asked about his perspective on Kadin Indonesia and MES.

Arsjad realised that Indonesia has human resources with a majority of Muslims. With 200 million inhabitants and a majority of Muslims, making Indonesia the country with the largest adherents of Islam in the world, it is very potential for the development of a Sharia-based economy. Therefore, he immediately established the Sharia Economic Agency once he was elected as Chairman of Kadin Indonesia.

He emphasised that in forming a Sharia-based economic ecosystem, there needs to be collaboration from all parties. Starting from religious leaders to academics. Especially with the rapid progress of the times, there is a very strong urgency if you want to form a Sharia economy at this time.

Indonesia's second life stage, time to step on the gas to build a Sharia economy

Arsjad then explained that like humans, Indonesia also has life stages. The first stage was when it achieved independence in 1945 until the Reformation of '98. Why mark 1998 as the beginning of the second stage of life? Arsjad thinks that at that time Indonesia was searching for its identity.

The President Director of PT Indika Energy Tbk. described that from 1998 to 2018, or around 20 years, our nation has been going round in circles looking for its identity. It was only in 2019 that we found a door that, if opened, would lead the country to a bright future.

"Firstly, the time of Pak Jokowi and Pak Prabowo, for me it symbolises the maturity of politics in Indonesia," said Arsjad.

With the unification of the country's two biggest public figures, Arsjad considers that there is an effort from the government and policy makers to create prosperity and work together to build the nation.

Secondly, there is an aspiration to realise a Golden Indonesia in 2045 and a desire to become one of the countries with the largest economy in the world.

The two symbols above, according to Arsjad, are signs that Indonesia is starting to rise. For this reason, a roadmap is needed that can realise a platform that can help this country become a new force in the world economy.

MES support for Sharia economy towards Indonesia Emas 2045

In achieving Indonesia Emas 2045, real steps are needed from various parties. A preparation that is very complicated, big, ambitious, and requires awareness and cohesiveness from elements of society. This is related to the richness of our country, not only in terms of natural resources, but also traditions, culture, religion, and so on. Arsjad said that we need to embrace and empower all parties, including finding ways to eradicate poverty and equalise the welfare of the population.

With the spirit to work together, encourage movement and not leave anyone behind in building the nation, or Arsjad Rasjid calls it inclusive collaboration, a Pancasila-based economy will be realised.

"That is the form of Pancasila Economy. Because we always see Pancasila in terms of ideology. But if we look at Pancasila from an economic perspective, it ends up with gotong royong, inclusive collaboration," he said.

According to Arsjad, in realising the Pancasila Economy we must involve all parties, which is also a reflection of the Sharia Economic Community. In building the MES, Arsjad embraces all relevant parties to establish a unity.

Arsjad thinks that with the largest number of Muslims in the world, Indonesia should be at the forefront in implementing the concept of Sharia economy. But, according to him, to talk about the halal industry, our country is still lagging behind other countries.

"The UK is better at Sharia Financing. They continue to tinker with Sharia Financing," continued the man who is currently also the Chairman of PB Perpani.

Indonesia has a lot of work to do in building a Sharia economic ecosystem. Therefore, as Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, Arsjad encourages Kadin to involve itself more in Islamic organisations. He targets Kadin to sit together and be active there.

By placing ourselves there, in addition to strengthening relationships, we can provide ideas that strengthen the Sharia economic ecosystem. In the future, Arsjad emphasised that Indonesia should not be left behind and join the race because our country also has a large Sharia market potential.

"If we don't participate in international discussions, we will be left behind," said Arsjad.

There is hope that MES will become a place for collaboration. Everyone has an obligation to make the Sharia economy a force, both nationally and internationally. Are you ready to give your support?

Source :  arsjadrasjid.com