Ekonomi Syariah Dulu, Kini dan Nanti (Part 1) - Adiwarman A. Karim (Pakar Ekonomi Syariah)

Summary

This transcript explores the journey of an individual deeply influenced by Islamic economics, beginning with inspiration from Professor Saifudin's book in the 1980s. The speaker highlights the struggles and triumphs of applying Islamic economic principles, culminating in the creation of Bank Muamalat Indonesia in 1992. The story emphasizes the importance of blessings in life, family teachings, and how cultural values shaped their path. The narrative also touches on the socio-political impact and growth of Islamic finance in Indonesia, which now plays a crucial role in the nation's banking sector, particularly under the leadership of President Jokowi.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker's journey was deeply influenced by the idea of Islamic economics, especially after encountering a book by Prof. Saifudin, which sparked a lifelong fascination with the subject.
• 😀 Islamic economics is presented as an alternative to conventional economics, with a focus on values that benefit not just the individual but the broader community.
• 😀 The concept of blessings in Islam is key, with blessings being defined by happiness, the well-being of others, and the tangible benefits of one’s actions.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of positive thinking and always seeing life’s challenges as blessings, regardless of the difficulties faced.
• 😀 The role of parents in shaping the speaker’s worldview is highlighted, particularly through their actions and teachings about resilience, ethics, and faith.
• 😀 The speaker discusses how Minang culture, including traditions like boxing and silat, instilled values of self-reliance and the importance of leaving one’s comfort zone.
• 😀 Despite initial career ambitions to become a bank president, the speaker found greater fulfillment in the role of a sharia economist, seeing it as a lifelong pursuit with no retirement.
• 😀 The speaker’s family was always entrepreneurial, and this mindset shaped their approach to life, leading all siblings to become businessmen or professionals instead of employees.
• 😀 The importance of big dreams and aspirations is emphasized, with the speaker’s parents fostering a mentality of success beyond just salary management.
• 😀 The creation and growth of Bank Muamalat Indonesia in 1992 is highlighted as a pivotal moment for applying Islamic economic principles in practice, despite initial struggles.
• 😀 The socio-political support for Islamic economics from key figures in the government, including Pak Harto and Pak Jokowi, played a significant role in the growth of sharia banking in Indonesia.
• 😀 The role of Islamic economics in Indonesia’s broader financial system is celebrated, particularly its impact on institutions like Bank Mandiri and Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), benefiting both the economy and the people.

Q & A

What was the initial inspiration behind the speaker's interest in Islamic economics?

The speaker was first inspired by Professor Saifudin's book on Islamic economics, which opened his mind to the idea of Islamic economics as an alternative to conventional economics. This inspiration led to a deeper interest in understanding and exploring Islamic economics.

How did the speaker's understanding of Islamic economics evolve over time?

Initially, the speaker struggled to understand Islamic economics because the available books were filled with Quranic verses and Hadiths, but lacked economic language. Over time, after exposure to a doctoral dissertation on Islamic economics, the speaker began to understand the relevance of economic principles within an Islamic framework.

What role did the speaker’s parents play in shaping his mindset?

The speaker's parents instilled important values through both words and actions. They exemplified resilience and resourcefulness, showing how to face life's challenges, including financial difficulties. The speaker was also taught Islamic teachings, like the Quran, from an early age, which had a lasting impact.

What does the speaker mean by 'blessings' in life, and how is it connected to Islamic values?

The speaker defines blessings as signs of happiness and well-being in life, both personally and for those around us. Blessings occur when our actions benefit not just ourselves but also others. The key to a blessed life is to seek actions that bring positive impact and happiness to everyone involved.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of having a strong cultural and moral foundation?

The speaker highlights the significance of understanding one’s cultural and moral roots to avoid being uprooted when pursuing opportunities elsewhere. His family, especially his late father, instilled the value of perseverance and adaptability, teaching the speaker to build a life beyond comfort zones.

What does the speaker's experience with Minang customs and martial arts signify?

The speaker’s experience with Minang customs, including martial arts, represents the idea of being well-prepared for life's challenges and the importance of self-reliance. Learning martial arts from a young age taught resilience, while Minang proverbs and customs grounded the speaker in a sense of cultural pride and purpose.

How did the speaker’s career ambitions evolve, and what led to the founding of Bank Muamalat?

Initially, the speaker's career ambition was to become the President Director of a bank, but over time, his desire to become a sharia economist grew. This shift in ambition was driven by the realization that being a sharia economist offered continuous opportunities to contribute to society. This vision led to the establishment of Bank Muamalat in 1992.

What role did socio-political factors play in the success of Bank Muamalat?

Socio-political factors, such as the support from the government and key figures like President Soeharto, played a significant role in the success of Bank Muamalat. The alignment of political support with the establishment of sharia-based financial institutions provided the necessary momentum for the bank’s growth despite initial challenges.

Why does the speaker emphasize that Islamic economics is a continuous journey rather than a goal?

The speaker views Islamic economics as an ongoing process that evolves over time, rather than a fixed goal. The ideas, challenges, and applications of Islamic economics have continued to grow and develop, as seen in the expansion of Islamic financial institutions in Indonesia. This ongoing journey reflects the dynamic nature of Islamic economics.

How has the development of Islamic economics in Indonesia, particularly with Bank Syariah Indonesia, impacted the broader economy?

The development of Islamic economics, particularly through the establishment and growth of Bank Syariah Indonesia, has had a profound positive impact on the broader economy. Not only has it contributed to the growth of sharia-compliant financial services, but it has also benefited conventional banks by bringing new assets and providing an alternative economic system that encourages both individual and societal prosperity.