Indonesia’s Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises is encouraging the potential for developing the Islamic economy in the country.
It is doing so by accelerating the digitization of MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises).
“Technologically, we continue to conduct training for grassroots (community) on microeconomics, collaborating not only with technology operators but also with direct digital platforms by providing technical guidance,” deputy for micro business at the ministry, Eddy Satriya, said at an online sharia economic development event on Thursday.
The government is targeting to help as many as 30 million MSMEs enter digital platforms or marketplaces by 2024, he noted.
Satriya said he is optimistic that the target would be achieved within a year and a half, considering that up till now, the achievement of digitizing MSMEs has been quite high due to the encouragement provided by several ministries or institutions through similar programs.
“This is working together. God willing, if it is just to reach the target of 30 million, it will not be too difficult, but what will happen next, and how to maximize the digitized MSMEs. That is what we will continue to develop,” he added.
The push to maximize the Islamic economy in Indonesia is still relatively new and marked by the formation of the special non-structural institution, the National Committee for Islamic Economy and Finance (KNEKS), in 2020, he added.
Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. However, Satriya said he believes that the biggest challenge to shifting to a sharia economy is how to get people in some areas to use sharia products.
“For areas where the majority of Muslims are maximum and the customs already exist, such as in Aceh, West Sumatra, and West Java, I think we just need to boost or trigger them to be able to switch to sharia,” he added.
The halal industry is projected to increase by 6.2 percent in 2024. Given that Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, the development of the halal product industry is one of the priorities pushed by the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs together with KNEKS, he informed.
In addition, his office is encouraging the development of the Islamic finance industry, and Islamic social funds, as well as the development and expansion of sharia business activities.
A program launched by the deputy for micro business at the ministry is also encouraging the sharia economy through sharia financing under the microcredit program (KUR).
“If I am not mistaken, this year has reached Rp7 trillion, and KUR funds have been disbursed from the target of Rp20 trillion. Last year, Rp7 trillion was disbursed from the target of Rp10 trillion,” he informed.
Satriya said he expects a sharia economy to help MSMEs enter the global supply chain, driven by government programs, and support cooperatives with revolving funds from the Revolving Fund Management Institute (LPDB).
“All lines are ready, it is just a matter of how we synergize so that the existing programs in the ministry and local government assistance can be maximized. We hope that there will also be a balance and acceleration of the sharia economy,” he said.
Originally published on www.pakobserver.net
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![Islam prescribes some dietary guidelines to Muslims by forbidding certain foods (Haram) and permitting others (Halal). This has made it challenging for Muslims, living in non-Muslim majority regions to consume only Halal Food. But fortunately, there are some reliable certification organizations in America such as Islamic Services of America, who examine foods claiming to be Halal. ISA affixes a symbol of compliance on the product once the food is verified. Halal consumers can utilize those products without any concerning doubt. Foods mentioned in the holy Qur'an. From realizing the right way of worship to the right food to eat, people seek guidance from the Qur’an and Sunnah in every aspect of their life. They then formulate ways to use and share their knowledge as much as possible. For example, the Muslim & Qur’an app informs Muslims of accurate prayer times, while Halal certification guarantees that the food is free from any ingredient prohibited under Islamic law. Halal food manufacturers must know which foods are prohibited or permitted in Islam. The most reliable source which guides them in making 100 percent Halal food is the Holy Qur’an. Below we mention 10 foods that are deemed naturally Halal in the Holy Qur’an: Seafood It is lawful in Islam to catch and eat seafood for the benefit of humans. A verse in Surah Al-Maida confirms that fish and other seafood are allowed for Halal consumers. Lawful for you and those in the journey is to catch and eat water game as a provision. [5:96] Our beloved Propher Muhammad (PBUH) used to like milk very much. Milk Milk produced from Halal animals is permitted in Islam. Milk is a Sunnah food (the benefits and blessings of milk are mentioned in the Sunnah) and is mentioned multiple times in the Holy Qur’an. At one place, Allah says: Indeed, there is a lesson for you in cattle. Between their dung and blood, and inside their bellies, there is pure milk for you to drink, and that is palatable for drinkers. [16:66] Dates Dates are also strongly recommended by the Holy Qur’an as healthy and lawful food. Their consumption becomes tenfold in the month of Ramadan because Muslims break their fast by eating Dates as a Sunnah. It is mentioned 22 times in the Qur’an which shows its deep-rooted significance in Islam. Push the trunk of the palm toward you and you will find fresh, ripe dates. [19:25] Grains Grains are mentioned numerous times in Qur’an. One reference related to corn is mentioned in a verse of Surah Naba: And We send down from rainclouds pouring water, producing by it grain and various plants. [78:14-15] Garlic is Halal by nature and prescribed in herbal medicines. Herb and Root Vegetation Halal consumers can eat each green herb, edible legume, onion, garlic, and other root vegetation. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says that: So call your Lord to raise herbs, cucumbers, garlic, onions, and lentils from the earth, for us. [2:61] Figs Allah has named a whole chapter of the Qur’an on the topic of figs, named Surah At-Tin. The first verse of the Surah starts with this Halal fruit: By the fig and olive… [95:1] Grapes Halal consumers can also eat grapes and delight their taste buds because a verse of Surah Al-Mu’min states that: We produced gardens of palm trees and grapevines for you, wherein you can find ample fruits to eat. [23:19] Honey has a lot of medicinal benefits and honey itself is cure to many diseases. Honey Honey is mentioned in the Qur’an as a source of healing. Surah An-Nahl, the 16th chapter of the Qur’an, contains many instructions from Allah, related to the consumption of honey. And, from its (honeybee) belly, juice of different hues has been issued, which is a source of cure for people. [16:69] Aromatic Plants There is a variety of edible aromatic plants that are Halal in Islam. It is evident in the 55th chapter of the Qur’an (Surah Rahman). And grains that contain shells and scented plants. [55:12] And grain with husks, and aromatic plants. [55:12] Our beloved Propher Muhammad (PBUH) used to love gourd. Gourd The Gourd was the favourite vegetable of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The word](https://i0.wp.com/www.halaltimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Untitled-design.jpg?resize=80%2C80&ssl=1)
10 Halal Foods Mentioned in the Holy Qur’an
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