Financial Services Authority Encourages Media to Play a Role in Strengthening Sharia Financial Literacy and Ecosystem

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The Aceh Financial Services Authority (OJK) emphasized the importance of the media's role in strengthening literacy, inclusion, and the development of the Sharia financial ecosystem in Aceh.

OJK Aceh Middle Manager, Ferdinan Daular, stated that Sharia banking in Aceh plays a strategic role, not only as a financial intermediary institution but also as a driver of the regional economy.

He stated that the contribution of Sharia banking in Aceh is evident in economic growth, increased financing, transaction cost efficiency, and the expansion of digital services, which are now increasingly popular among the community.

"Sharia banking serves as an intermediary agent for the regional economy, strengthening the financial system, and encouraging the digitalization of transactions, which is currently increasing in Aceh," said Ferdinan.

He explained that Aceh, as a region with a specific implementation of the Sharia financial system, holds a crucial position in the development of a Sharia-based economy. This is also evident in the continued growth in MSME financing from year to year.

Furthermore, Islamic banking is said to play a role in expanding access to financing, supporting the productive sector, and encouraging business mentoring so that MSMEs can develop sustainably.

"Banking not only disburses financing, but also provides business mentoring so that MSMEs can grow and become competitive," he said.

Ferdinan also highlighted the challenges facing the Islamic financial industry in Aceh, ranging from system adaptation, improving service quality, to strengthening public financial literacy and inclusion, which still need improvement.

According to OJK data, the level of Islamic financial literacy in Aceh remains around 48 percent, with inclusion reaching 89 percent. Although this is above the national average, public understanding of Islamic financial products is still considered necessary.

"Many people already use Islamic financial products, but they don't fully understand the concepts and differences," he said.

On the same occasion, he also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the OJK, the banking industry, and the media in disseminating educational information to the public.

The media is expected to not only convey information, but also help educate the public about Islamic financial products, reduce misinformation, and strengthen trust in the financial services industry.

"The media plays a crucial role in increasing literacy, building public trust, and encouraging the growth of the Islamic economy in Aceh," said Ferdinan.

BSI Bank's Position Now Equal to Major National Banks, Strengthening Competitiveness in the Banking Industry

Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) emphasized that its current position is now equal to major national banks in the Indonesian banking industry, in line with its strengthening performance and continued positive asset growth.

BSI Aceh Regional CEO, Imsak Ramadhan, stated that BSI is no longer subordinate to its parent bank, but stands on equal footing in the national banking competition.

"Now BSI is on par with major banks like Mandiri, BNI, and BRI. So the competition is now equal," Imsak said.

He explained that this change in position is a significant achievement in BSI's journey as the largest Islamic bank in Indonesia. Currently, BSI has also broken into the top five nationally based on total assets.

"Thank God, BSI has entered the top five nationally. This demonstrates BSI's strengthening position in the banking industry," he said.

According to him, this equal position is also accompanied by increased responsibility in maintaining service quality, competitiveness, and innovation in Islamic banking products amidst intense competition in the financial industry.

Imsak added that BSI also holds a unique position as the only bank in Indonesia to hold two licenses: as an Islamic bank and a gold bank, which further strengthens its strategic position at the national level.

"BSI has two licenses, as an Islamic bank and a gold bank. This differentiates it and strengthens its position in the national financial industry," he said.

He emphasized that with this equal position, BSI is committed to continuously improving the quality of its services and expanding its role as a financial, social, and spiritual partner for the community.[]

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