UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta actively engaged with the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) Board at the AppliedHE Xchange 2025 event. The event, held at the InterContinental Bali on Monday (24/2/2025), gathered key higher education and industry stakeholders. They discussed strategic issues, including Hajj fund management in the education sector.
BPKH’s Commitment to Education
BPKH Supervisory Board Member Mulyadi emphasized the crucial role of universities in supporting efficient and sustainable Hajj fund management. BPKH manages IDR 171 trillion in Hajj funds, showing a steady growth trend.
To ensure transparency and accountability, BPKH partners with universities and research institutions. These partnerships include internship programs, research initiatives in Islamic finance, and scholarship provisions for students. Students gain practical experience and contribute to financial management strategies through these initiatives.
“The profits from Hajj fund management support public welfare programs, such as education and healthcare. They also contribute to religious activities and economic empowerment,” Mulyadi explained. “In education, institutions allocate these funds for scholarships and internships to enhance student research.”
UNS Welcomes BPKH’s Contributions
UNS Vice Rector Prof. Fitria Rahmawati expressed gratitude for BPKH’s efforts to advance education.
“Programs like research initiatives, internships, and scholarships help universities prepare students for industry challenges, particularly in Islamic finance,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration between academia and financial institutions. Strengthening these ties enhances curriculum development, practical exposure, and real-world problem-solving opportunities for students, ensuring graduates meet industry demands.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
This collaboration aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, “Partnerships for the Goals.” By fostering strategic partnerships between universities and financial institutions, UNS and BPKH support inclusive economic growth. They also contribute to sustainable Islamic economic development in Indonesia.
By inviting BPKH as a key speaker, UNS reaffirms its commitment to bridging academia and industry. This initiative aims to produce competent graduates ready to contribute to Hajj fund management and the Islamic finance sector.
Ultimately, this initiative supports Indonesia’s vision for Islamic economic development through quality education, research, and cross-sector partnerships. UNS and BPKH strive to empower future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to sustain Islamic finance in Indonesia. They also aim to expand its reach beyond the country.
HUMAS UNS
