A major Indonesian network of Islamic economics programs has strengthened its international links through a new partnership with the ASEAN Institute of Applied Research and Innovation (AIARI).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Brian Fairman, Co-Chair of AIARI and a Senior Research Fellow at James Cook University, and Prof. Dr. Ahmad Dahlan, Professor of Islamic Economics at UIN Prof. KH. Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto (UIN Saizu), representing the Association of Indonesian Sharia Economics Study Programs (APSESI) and the Consortium of Sharia Economics Study Programs and Departments (KPS-ES).
The partnership brings together 27 undergraduate and four postgraduate Islamic economics programs from universities across Indonesia. It will focus initially on developing international community service programs in Islamic economics and supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The collaboration is intended to connect Indonesian universities with international expertise and create practical opportunities for research, innovation, community engagement and entrepreneurship. Through these activities, AIARI, APSESI, KPS-ES and participating universities aim to translate academic knowledge into initiatives that can contribute to local economic development and strengthen opportunities for students, academics and communities.
The MOU marks an important step in expanding cooperation between Indonesian Islamic higher education institutions and international partners, while promoting practical approaches to Islamic economics and sustainable community development.