(Feb News) Thursday, February 2025 - The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga (FEB Unair) again held the Sixth Innovative Finance Discussion series titled Islamic Social Finance: How To Protect Our Children. This event is the result of a collaboration between UNICEF Indonesia, Center for Advanced Resilience & Inclusive Studies (CARE), as well as the S1 Islamic Economic Study Program in FEB UNAIR. Held in a hybrid format, this discussion succeeded in attracting more than 330 participants, including 16 institutions from the government sector (Bappeda, Education Office, DP3appkb, DP3AK, DJPB, DPRKCPCK), Financial Institutions (OJK, BI, and BAZNAS), community organizations, and Students who have an interest in Islamic finance and sustainability.
As part of a series of monthly discussions that have begun in August 2024, this activity aims to increase public understanding of sustainable innovative financing and its role in protecting children's rights. Each session always elevates the latest issues related to sustainable finance and its contribution to the achievement of sustainable development goals (Sustainable Development Goals/SDGs).
In this discussion, a number of experts from various fields were present to give their views, including Prof. Raditya Sukmana (Islamic Social Finance Expert from Unair), Dr. Hm. Wafiyul Ahdi, M.Pd.I (Deputy Secretary of NU East Java), Jhordy Kashhoogie Nazar, M.Sc (Assistant Director of Bank Indonesia East Java), and Dr. Sugiyo, M.Pd (Head of Madrasah Education Division of the Ministry of Religion of East Java). They discussed how Islamic financial instruments, such as zakat, waqf, and alms, could be a solution in facing the challenges faced by children, especially in East Java.
Islamic social finance as a solution to the welfare of children
The issue raised in this discussion is very relevant to the current conditions, where children become a group that is vulnerable to the impact of social and economic inequality. Islamic social finances, based on ethical principles, are considered capable of playing a role in equitable welfare and protection of children's rights.
Prof. Raditya Sukmana emphasized that Islamic Social Finance (ISF) is not only aimed at economic growth, but also extensive community empowerment, including in an effort to overcome children's poverty, educational inequality, and limited access to health services. In addition, the Integrated Sub-Financing Framework (ISFF) program developed by UNICEF and UNAIR is also the spotlight in this discussion, as an innovative solution to overcome the financing gaps that focus on children.
Cross -sectoral collaboration in sustainable financing
is more than just a discussion of financial aspects, this discussion also highlights the importance of the role of various stakeholders - both government, academics, and the private sector - in supporting sustainable financing for children's welfare.
In the panel session, the participants discussed how public policy could be integrated with Islamic social finance to create a more effective and inclusive solution. In addition, this forum is also a forum for participants to share experiences and explore a practical approach in dealing with various problems faced by children in East Java.
Through this discussion, recommendations can emerge that can be applied in regional policies and strengthen cross-sector collaboration to realize the goals of sustainable development, especially in the protection and welfare of children.
