Sharia Oikonomia Law Journal

Islamic Inheritance Laws and Their Economic Implications in Indonesia: A Legal and Financial Perspective

Suyono Arni, Meera Gupta, Sun Wei — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Islamic inheritance laws, derived from Shariah principles, play a critical role in shaping wealth distribution and economic behavior in Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia. However, the implementation of these laws often faces challenges due to the coexistence of customary (adat) laws and national legal frameworks, leading to disputes and inefficiencies in wealth management. This study examines the legal and financial implications of Islamic inheritance laws in Indonesia, focusing on their impact on wealth distribution, family welfare, and economic development. The research aims to identify gaps in the current legal framework and propose recommendations for harmonizing Islamic inheritance laws with national regulations to enhance their economic effectiveness. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study analyzes legal documents, court rulings, and financial data, complemented by interviews with legal experts, religious scholars, and families affected by inheritance disputes. The findings reveal that while Islamic inheritance laws promote equitable wealth distribution, their implementation is often hindered by legal ambiguities, lack of public awareness, and resistance from customary law practitioners. These challenges result in prolonged disputes, unequal asset distribution, and reduced economic productivity. The study concludes that harmonizing Islamic inheritance laws with national legal frameworks and enhancing public education on inheritance rights are essential for maximizing their economic benefits. This research contributes to the discourse on Islamic law and economics by providing insights into the interplay between legal systems, wealth distribution, and economic development in Indonesia.

Shariah-Compliant Investment Funds: A Study on Investor Preferences and Portfolio Management in Indonesia

Nilam Amlia, Kaito Tanaka, Haruko Sato — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Shariah-compliant investment funds have gained significant traction in Indonesia, driven by the growing demand for ethical and religiously aligned financial products. However, limited research exists on investor preferences and portfolio management strategies specific to these funds, particularly in the context of Indonesia’s dynamic Islamic finance market. This study explores the factors influencing investor preferences for Shariah-compliant funds and examines the portfolio management strategies employed by fund managers to align with Shariah principles. The research aims to provide insights into how Shariah-compliant funds can better meet investor expectations while maintaining compliance with Islamic principles. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study combines surveys of individual and institutional investors with interviews of fund managers and Shariah advisors. Data were analyzed to identify key preferences, such as risk tolerance, return expectations, and ethical considerations, as well as the challenges faced by fund managers in balancing Shariah compliance with financial performance. The findings reveal that investors prioritize ethical alignment and transparency, while fund managers emphasize diversification and adherence to Shariah screening criteria. The study concludes that Shariah-compliant funds in Indonesia must adopt innovative portfolio management strategies to attract a broader investor base while ensuring strict compliance with Shariah principles. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on Islamic finance by providing practical recommendations for fund managers and policymakers to enhance the competitiveness and appeal of Shariah-compliant investment funds.

The Role of Islamic Law in Regulating Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology: A Case Study of Indonesia’s Regulatory Framework

Marloni Anggita, Bilal Aslam, Sara Hussain — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The rapid growth of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology has raised significant legal and ethical questions, particularly in Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia, where Islamic law (Shariah) plays a central role in financial regulation. This study examines the role of Islamic law in regulating cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, focusing on Indonesia’s regulatory framework. The research aims to assess the compatibility of these technologies with Shariah principles and identify gaps in the current regulatory approach. By doing so, it seeks to provide recommendations for developing a Shariah-compliant regulatory framework that balances innovation with ethical and legal considerations. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study combines legal analysis of Indonesia’s regulatory framework with qualitative interviews with Islamic scholars, regulators, and industry experts. Data were analyzed to evaluate the alignment of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology with Shariah principles, such as the prohibition of riba (interest) and gharar (uncertainty). The findings reveal that while blockchain technology has potential applications in Islamic finance, cryptocurrencies face significant challenges due to concerns over volatility, speculation, and lack of intrinsic value. The study concludes that Indonesia’s regulatory framework must be adapted to address the unique challenges posed by cryptocurrency and blockchain technology while ensuring compliance with Shariah principles.

Shariah Law and Islamic Finance as Tools for Economic Empowerment in Rural Indonesia

Amila Yanti, Seo Jiwon, Lee Jiwon — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Shariah law and Islamic finance have emerged as powerful tools for promoting economic empowerment, particularly in rural areas where poverty and financial exclusion are prevalent. In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Islamic finance offers unique opportunities to address economic disparities and foster inclusive growth. This study examines the role of Shariah law and Islamic finance in empowering rural communities in Indonesia, focusing on their impact on poverty alleviation, financial inclusion, and sustainable development. The research aims to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing Islamic finance in rural areas and propose strategies for enhancing its effectiveness. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study combines quantitative analysis of socio-economic data with qualitative interviews with rural communities, Islamic financial institutions, and policymakers. Data were analyzed to assess the impact of Islamic finance on income levels, access to financial services, and community development. The findings reveal that Islamic finance, particularly through instruments such as zakat, waqf, and microfinance, has a positive impact on economic empowerment in rural areas. However, challenges such as lack of awareness, limited infrastructure, and regulatory gaps hinder its full potential. The study concludes that enhancing the role of Shariah law and Islamic finance in rural Indonesia requires targeted strategies, including education, infrastructure development, and regulatory reforms.

The Compatibility of Shariah Law and Modern Capitalism: A Case Study of Indonesia's Islamic Banking Sector

Thandar Htwe, Soe Thu Zaw, Ali Reza — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The integration of Shariah law with modern capitalism has been a subject of significant debate, particularly in the context of Islamic banking. In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Islamic banking has grown rapidly, offering a unique case study to explore this compatibility. This study examines the alignment of Shariah principles with the practices of modern capitalism in Indonesia’s Islamic banking sector, focusing on issues such as profit-sharing, risk management, and ethical investment. The research aims to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating Shariah law into a capitalist financial system and propose strategies for enhancing this compatibility. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study combines quantitative analysis of financial performance data with qualitative interviews with Islamic banking practitioners, Shariah scholars, and regulators. Data were analyzed to assess the adherence of Islamic banks to Shariah principles, their financial performance, and their role in promoting ethical finance. The findings reveal that while Islamic banks in Indonesia generally comply with Shariah principles, challenges such as profit-driven practices and limited product innovation hinder their full alignment with Islamic ethics. The study concludes that enhancing the compatibility of Shariah law and modern capitalism requires a balanced approach that prioritizes ethical finance while maintaining competitiveness.

Shariah-Compliant Venture Capital: Exploring Financing Models for Startups in Indonesia

Gusti Dewi, Aylin Erdogan, Ammar Al-Momani — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The rise of startups in Indonesia has created a growing demand for innovative financing models that align with Shariah principles. Shariah-compliant venture capital (SCVC) offers a unique opportunity to support startups while adhering to Islamic ethical standards, such as the prohibition of riba (interest) and gharar (uncertainty). This study explores the potential of SCVC as a financing model for startups in Indonesia, focusing on its alignment with Shariah principles, its impact on startup growth, and the challenges faced by stakeholders. The research aims to identify effective strategies for implementing SCVC and propose recommendations for enhancing its role in fostering ethical and sustainable entrepreneurship. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study combines quantitative analysis of startup financing data with qualitative interviews with venture capitalists, Shariah scholars, and startup founders. Data were analyzed to assess the compatibility of SCVC with Shariah principles, its financial performance, and its contribution to startup success. The findings reveal that SCVC can effectively support startups while adhering to Islamic ethics, but challenges such as limited awareness, regulatory gaps, and risk-sharing complexities hinder its widespread adoption. The study concludes that promoting SCVC in Indonesia requires targeted strategies, including education, regulatory reforms, and capacity-building for stakeholders.

Assessing the Performance and Economic Impact of Islamic Finance in the Horn of Africa: A Comparative Study.

Rami Hariri, Nadine Mansour — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Islamic finance has developed as an alternative to traditional financial systems, acquiring acceptance throughout the Horn of Africa due to its adherence to ethical and faith-based principles. The study assesses the effectiveness of Islamic finance in supporting economic growth, financial inclusion, and social development using a thorough analysis of financial data, economic indicators, and case studies. The study used a Simultaneous Equations Model (SEM) technique with panel data obtained from five Horn of Africa countries: Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, and Djibouti from 2013 to 2022. The major findings demonstrate that Islamic finance has a positive and significant impact on economic growth, but a positive but insignificant impact on financial inclusion. This study suggests that governments in the sampled countries continue to strengthen the growth of Islamic financing in order to create greater developmental chances and gains, particularly through more inclusive economic growth. The regional government should provide concrete support for Islamic banking and finance operations through a strong institutional framework and long-term political backing.Islamic finance has enormous potential to foster long-term economic progress in the Horn of Africa. Targeted policy reforms and strategic investment decisions can help to unleash this potential, promoting growth, eradicating poverty, and achieving financial inclusion throughout the region.