Surakarta, Indonesia (July, 23, 2024)– The opening ceremony of the 4th International Conference on Islamic Economics Studies (ICIES) 2024 marked a significant milestone in the academic and professional discourse on Islamic economics. The conference, themed “Innovations in Islamic Economics: Navigating Global Economic Challenges,” was hosted by the Faculty of Economics and Business Islam (FEBI) UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta and supported by INHART IIUM, AFEBIS, IAEI, MES, and HEBITREN. The co-hosts include UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, UIN Raden Fatah Palembang, UIN Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan, Universitas Al-Amien Prenduan, UIN Salatiga, UIN Prof. Dr. Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto, and UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang..
Dr. H. Zainul Abbas, M.Ag, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to FEBI for their diligent efforts in organizing this prestigious event. In his remarks, Dr. Abbas highlighted the university’s commitment to “glocalization,” a strategy to globalize local innovations while localizing global advancements. This approach, he noted, is crucial for addressing the complex economic challenges faced by the global community.
Conference Chair, Prof. Dr. M. Rahmawan Arifin, M.Si, extended a warm welcome to all participants attending the opening ceremony. Prof. Arifin emphasized the potential of the conference to generate productive ideas and innovative solutions for the development of Islamic economics, not only in Solo, Indonesia but also on a global scale. He announced that one of the significant outcomes of the conference would be the signing of Memoranda of Agreement (MoA) with INHART IIUM and Parallaxnet, as well as the publication of research papers in SINTA-accredited journals and international conference proceedings.
The opening ceremony featured keynote speeches from prominent figures in the field economics and digital innovation. Mazhar Durrani, CEO of Parallaxnet, a leading digital company from the USA, delivered an insightful address on the role of digital technology in transforming Islamic economic practices. Prof. Madya Dr. Betania Kartika from INHART IIUM, and Sheik Muhammed Rateeb, a social entrepreneurship advocate from Gaza, Palestine, also shared their expertise and experiences, enriching the discussions with diverse perspectives.
Held at the elegant Syariah Hotel Solo ballroom, the conference attracted 150 participants, including deans from AFEBIS member institutions, vice deans, conference presenters, and selected students from FEBI. The vibrant atmosphere underscored the collaborative spirit and commitment to advancing Islamic economics through innovation and scholarly exchange.
As ICIES 2024 unfolds, it promises to be a platform for fostering groundbreaking research, networking, and collaboration, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of Islamic economics in a rapidly changing world.
Author: Asep Maulana Rohimat
Foto: Kris