The Deputy Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Anggito Abimanyu, has been inaugurated as a professor of economics at the Department of Economics and Business, Vocational College, Universitas Gadjah Mada (SV UGM).
During his inaugural speech, Professor Abimanyu presented a lecture titled Islamic Economics as a Form of Compliance, a Way of Life, and a Beneficial Business Activity.
His speech was based on his journey in exploring the knowledge and benefits of Islamic economics in Indonesia.
“Islamic economics is a branch of economic science that adheres to Islamic laws and principles. Its practitioners follow it out of religious compliance or obligation, such as ensuring transactions are halal, beneficial, and free from usury. Others perceive Islamic economics as a way of life based on sharing, cleanliness, and health,” he explained.
Professor Abimanyu stated that Islamic economics has become an increasingly relevant discipline within macroeconomics, which covers policies and regulations.
Its appeal is not limited to Muslim students but also attracts non-Muslims. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Western countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom began promoting Islamic financial hubs.
“Many Western universities have also established centers for Islamic economic studies,” he noted.
He explained that in Indonesia, the history of Islamic economics, particularly Islamic banking, began with banking deregulation in 1983.
From that point, Bank Indonesia allowed six banks to determine their own interest rates and permitted profit-sharing systems in credit transactions.
“This deregulation laid the foundation for the development of Islamic banking in Indonesia,” he said.
In another part of his speech, Professor Abimanyu expressed that he no longer views Islamic economics merely as an alternative or complementary system to conventional economics.
Instead, he has developed a new perspective, seeing Islamic economics as an expression of religious obedience and submission to divine revelation.
Key aspects such as compliance, lifestyle, and societal benefits are fundamental to Islamic teachings, following halal transactions that strictly avoid gharar (transactional uncertainty), maysir (speculation), and riba (usury).
“It is not just about being halal, but also tayyib—promoting ethical and healthy consumption habits,” he emphasized.
Regarding the utilization and growing interest in Islamic economics in Indonesia, Professor Abimanyu noted that compliance, lifestyle, and business principles within Islamic economics have become focal points for Islamic scholars.
“My research focuses on aspects of religious adherence, lifestyle, and business decisions in choosing Islamic banking products, consuming halal goods, and the benefits of umrah travel,” he stated.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia highlighted that Professor Abimanyu is one of 525 active professors at UGM and one of five active professors at SV UGM.
Professor Abimanyu has held several notable positions, including Head of the Hajj Fund Management Agency (BPKH) from 2017 to 2022, Commissioner of BRI Syariah from 2015 to 2017, and Chief Economist of BRI from 2014 to 2017.
He served as Head of the Fiscal Policy Agency at the Ministry of Finance from 2003 to 2010 and as an expert staff member for the Minister of Finance from 1999 to 2003.
Before becoming Deputy Minister of Finance, he was the Head of the Department of Economics and Business at SV UGM, where he also lectured.
Several prominent national figures attended the inauguration ceremony, including Indonesia’s 11th Vice President Boediono, the 13th Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, and Professor Pratikno, the UGM Board of Trustees Chair.
Several coordinating ministers were also present, such as the Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, and the Presidential Adviser for Politics and Security, Wiranto.
Other attendees included Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Ganjar Pranowo, Anies Baswedan, Mahfud MD, and Deputy Minister of Law Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej.
Coordinating Minister Muhaimin Iskandar praised Professor Abimanyu for becoming a professor at SV UGM. He described it as an extraordinary accomplishment, especially given Professor Abimanyu’s focus on Islamic economics.
“UGM plays an integral role in advancing knowledge and its application in all aspects of development. Congratulations to Professor Abimanyu and UGM,” he said.
Similarly, Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto appreciated Professor Abimanyu’s inauguration.
“His lecture on Islamic economics and its relevance to modern lifestyles is significant and will help drive the growth of the Islamic economy,” he remarked.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Firsto