Last Updated: 9 months ago
Students of the Community Service Program (KKN) of the Faculty of Islamic Studies and Teacher Education (FAIPG) of Djuanda University (UNIDA) Group 3 of Cipicung Village held an Islamic Finance Seminar with the theme Great MSMEs, Strong Communities, Rising Economy, Together with BPRS Building a Halal and Legal Future (08/13/2025)
The economic development of rural communities is inextricably linked to the financial systems implemented in everyday life. Amid growing public awareness of the importance of a fair, transparent, and usury-free financial system, the concept of Islamic finance is gaining increasing attention, particularly among Muslims.
Islamic finance offers solutions that align with Sharia principles, such as fairness, partnership, and sustainability. Cipicung Village, located in Cijeruk District, Bogor Regency, is a predominantly Muslim village with significant potential for Sharia-based economic development. However, public understanding of Islamic financial concepts and practices remains relatively limited. Many residents still rely on conventional systems for managing personal finances and small and medium-sized businesses, unaware of alternatives that are more in line with religious values. Given this situation, holding an Islamic Finance Seminar in Cipicung Village is a crucial step in educating and enhancing the community's understanding of the importance of Sharia-compliant financial management. This activity is expected to serve as a means of empowering the village community's economy through an ethical and sustainable financial approach.
This seminar aims to provide MSMEs and the public with an understanding of Sharia-compliant financial management while also emphasizing the importance of business legality for legal recognition. Through financing and mentoring from the BPRS, participants are expected to build halal, legal, and competitive businesses, thereby strengthening the economy of their families and communities.
Robi Abdul Hakim, in his remarks, conveyed the importance of the seminar, especially for MSMEs and the community.
"This seminar is crucial, especially for MSMEs and the public, regarding financial management in accordance with Sharia principles. It will help them better understand the concept of financial management in accordance with Sharia principles. Amidst today's changing times and economic complexity, it is imperative that we strengthen the public's financial literacy with an approach that is not only rational, but also spiritual and ethical," he said.
Hasan Basri, S.E. as the Head of the Sharia People's Financing Bank (BPRS) Branch delivered material related to the Role of Sharia Banks in Providing Usury-Free Financial Solutions for the Community. In his presentation, he comprehensively explained the philosophical basis of sharia banks, the fundamental differences between conventional and sharia systems, and the urgency of avoiding usury practices in the economic life of the people.
“Usury is not just a wrong economic practice, but it is a major sin in Islam. Allah SWT declares war on usurers, as stated in the Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 278–279. The interest charged by conventional financial institutions essentially falls into the category of usury because it contains elements of uncertainty (gharar), exploitation, and is unfair to the borrower. Sharia banks exist as an alternative solution that distances the community from the practice of usury, by using a contract system based on the principles of mutual help (ta'awun) and justice. At BPRS, we do not provide loans with interest. We use a contract...a lawful and transparent contract. Profits are obtained not from pressure, but from cooperation and justice.” he said
Eneng Paojiah, a resident of Balakang Village, Cipicung Village, conveyed the benefits of the activity.
"I found this seminar very beneficial, especially because it gave me a better understanding of what usury (riba) is and how to avoid it through the Islamic financial system. The explanation from the speaker, the Head of the Cicurug BPRS Branch, was easy to understand and broadened my understanding of how Islamic banks operate without interest. I also enjoyed being able to ask questions directly and receive clear answers. The event ran smoothly and the atmosphere was comfortable, so I felt very helpful in having an event like this," he said.
Through this Islamic Finance Seminar, we hope that the people of Cipicung Village will gain a better understanding of the basic principles of Islamic finance, particularly regarding the dangers of usury and the importance of managing finances in a halal and blessed manner. This activity is also expected to encourage residents to start considering using Islamic financial services, such as BPRS (Small Business Remittance Institution), Islamic cooperatives, and other forms of halal financing. Furthermore, we aim to generate interest among the community, particularly micro-businesses and households, in implementing a more ethical and sharia-compliant financial system. Another outcome is the establishment of cooperation between Islamic financial institutions and the village community, as well as the continuous improvement of Islamic financial literacy through similar activities in the future.