Banking the Islamic Way: Indonesia Aims for More Muslim Customers
Indonesia, Southeast Asia's biggest economy, has a Muslim population of around 225 million but this huge number of faithful has not translated into success for sharia banks, institutions required to do business in line with Islamic principles.
Now regulators have launched a plan aimed at growing the sector, which currently accounts for less than 5% of banking assets, compared to a quarter in neighboring, more developed Muslim-majority Malaysia.
Authorities believe it is a good moment, with many Indonesians getting wealthier after years of strong economic growth and an increasing trend towards piety across broad sections of society.
Many of those without bank accounts, estimated at about 40% of the population, are soon expected to open one.
"The situation is an opportunity for the Islamic banking business to get bigger," said Nasirwan Ilyas, a senior official from the Islamic banking division of the Financial Services Authority (OJK).
The OJK is spearheading the drive, and unveiled a 5-year roadmap earlier this year that included plans to educate the public about sharia lenders and the establishment of an Islamic finance committee to better manage the sector.
Source: rappler.com
