(FEB NEWS) Friday, May 9, 2025 – The Department of Islamic Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) officially launched and reviewed a book entitled Sharia Banking: Theory, Practice, and Global Dynamics, in an academic event held at the Cendrawasih Hall, Former Pharmacy Building, FEB UNAIR. This event is a collaboration between FEB UNAIR and PT RajaGrafindo Persada, as part of a commitment to strengthening sharia financial literacy and practices in Indonesia.

The event was officially opened by the Head of the Department of Islamic Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Airlangga University, Dr. Sulistya Rusgianto, SE., MIF, and the publisher's representative, Rusli Latukau, National Marketing Manager of PT RajaGrafindo Persada. The launch also included a symbolic handover of books from the publisher to the authors.

Three Perspectives, One Powerful Narrative

The three main authors of the book were present as speakers, namely:

•Dr. Bayu Arie Fianto, SE, MBA – Head of Islamic Economics Undergraduate Study Program FEB UNAIR,

• Kindy Miftah, SE, M.Si. – Vice President of Maybank Syariah and practicing lecturer,

• Noven Suprayogi, SE, M.Si., Ak. – Lecturer at FEB UNAIR and expert in sharia accounting.

The discussion was guided by FEB UNAIR lecturer, Ida Wijayanti, SEI, MSEI, who created a dialogic atmosphere and aroused the enthusiasm of the participants, especially the students who attended.

Cultivating Historical and Philosophical Awareness

In his presentation, Noven Suprayogi emphasized the importance of understanding the historical roots of Islamic banking. "This system is not a copy of conventional banking," he asserted, "but rather a product of the long history of Islamic civilization, which rejects usury and prioritizes justice." He also explained the role of Islamic banks as "the heart of the Islamic economics," driving the growth of other halal industry sectors.

Addressing the Theory-Practice Gap

Meanwhile, Kindy Miftah emphasized the importance of students' ability to connect Islamic economic theory with industrial practice. He stated that many Islamic economics graduates still struggle to understand the technical aspects of Islamic banking products. "Students must be able to differentiate between products and contracts. Products like savings or financing are the same, but the Islamic contract is what differentiates them," he explained. He believes this book aims to bridge this understanding while addressing the ever-evolving dynamics of regulations and contemporary issues.

Comprehensive Data-Based Reference and Case Studies

Bayu Arie Fianto stated that this book is the result of two years of intensive collaboration between academics and practitioners, strengthened by research, the latest data, and student contributions. "This book not only addresses the academic needs of students and researchers," he said, "but also provides operational insights for industry practitioners, including regulatory updates and case studies on mergers, acquisitions, and interest-based versus non-interest-based banking practices."

Bayu also expressed concern about students becoming overly reliant on AI in their scientific writing. He hopes this book can serve as a practical guide to fostering critical thinking and novelty in research.

Academic-Practitioner Synergy for the Future of Sharia Economics

This event wasn't just a book launch, but also a space for ideas to converge between the academic world and Islamic finance practice. Active participants also had the chance to win free books during the games and Q&A sessions.

In addition to enriching the academic literature, the book launch also reflects FEB UNAIR's commitment to supporting the sustainable development agenda. By strengthening Islamic financial literacy and providing applicable references for students, researchers, and industry players, this event contributes to the creation of an inclusive, equitable, and values-based financial system. The collaboration between academics and practitioners in the preparation of this book is a concrete manifestation of higher education's contribution to building a resilient economic ecosystem oriented toward social sustainability and business ethics.

With this launch, FEB UNAIR affirms its role as a center for scientific development that is adaptive to the challenges of the times, and is committed to being at the forefront in establishing an inclusive, relevant, and globally competitive sharia economic ecosystem.