Brunei Institute of Leadership & Islamic Finance (BILIF), in collaboration with Menara Syariah, Indonesia organised the Islamic Leaders Conference (ILC) 2024 held from 11 – 12 September 2024 at Menara Syariah, PIK2, Jakarta, Indonesia. The event was supported by esteemed sponsors, including Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and several prominent Indonesian financial institutions, such as Nanobank Syariah, Bank Jatim Syariah, Bank Syariah Indonesia, BCA Syariah, Aladin Bank Syariah, and Bank BJB.
The event marks the first collaboration since the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between BILIF and PT Fin Centerindo Satu (FIN SATU), the project owner and building manager of Menara Syariah on 25 April 2024 and was attended by participants from Brunei Darussalam as well as professionals from Indonesia.
Carrying the theme “Leadership and Islam”, the objectives of the 2-day conference are to showcase local and Indonesian experts and practitioners who will explore the principles of leadership within the context of Islamic teachings, focusing on how Islamic values can guide and shape effective, ethical leadership in contemporary society. The conference will also be looking at how Islamic leadership compares against that of the conventional or western leadership values. Key discussions include the leadership model of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), emphasising qualities such as justice, compassion, and humility while navigating a challenging new world, the Maqasid Syariah’s role in leading towards organisational success, women leadership, and secrets of CEOs’ success.
The event commenced with a welcoming remark by Harianto Solichin, Chairman, Menara Syariah. In his remarks, he highlighted the values of compassion, justice, and unity as central to Islamic teachings, while urging participants to work together in promoting understanding among diverse communities. He added that the conference presents a significant opportunity to share strategies and solutions that not only tackle the issues at hand but also empower the youth, uplift marginalized groups, and promote peace and cooperation.
The event saw a keynote address by Destry Damayanti, Senior Deputy Governor of Indonesia. Amongst others, she emphasised five key principles in Syariah economy and financial development: justice, inclusion, collaboration, sustainability, and welfare. She highlighted the importance of promoting fairness, broadening access to financial services, fostering partnerships, prioritising ethical and sustainable investment, and enhancing welfare. To unlock this potential, she stressed the need for transformational leadership, which focuses on a strong commitment to innovation, including investment in new technology, the development of Syariah-compliant Fintech solutions, and the digitalisation of financial services.
The event also held keynote presentations entitled “Islamic Values and Indonesian Identity to Advance the Economy and Welfare of the People” and “Leadership in Bank Syariah Indonesia” as well as panel discussions on “Leading Ladies: Glass Ceilings and Broken Rungs” and “Islamic Leadership – Solution to Modern Leadership Challenges?”.
The line-up of Indonesian presenters and panellists throughout the conference included, amongst others, Dr H. Anwar Abbas, M.M, M.Ag, Deputy Chairman of Majelis Ulama Indonesia for the 2020-2024 period; Dwi Irianti Hadiningdyah, Secretary of the Directorate General of Treasury in Indonesia; Professor Dr Euis Amalia, Deputy Director of Ecosystem Regional Committee for Sharia Economy and Finance of Banten Province; Professor Dr Ir. Irfan Setiaputra, President Director, Garuda Indonesia; Professor Dr Komaruddin Hidayat, Commissioner, Bank Syariah Indonesia; K.H. Saiful Rahmat Dasuki, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Indonesia; Professor Muhammad Ali Ramdhani, Secretary General of the Ministry of Religion, Republic of Indonesia; and Yuli Melati Suryaningrum, Chief Executive Officer, Bank Central Asia Syariah.
The conference also featured local speakers and practitioners including Dayang Hajah Sufinah binti Haji Sahat, Assistant Managing Director, Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB), Afero Eswandy Mohamad, Acting Chief Executive Officer, BILIF; and Dr Mohammad Iznan bin Haji Tarip, Lecturer, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, amongst others.
ILC 2024 will continue for a second day where a series of presentations and panel discussions will be featured including “Maqasid Syariah: Ingredients of Organisational Success?”, “In the Tradition of the Prophet – Leading with Impact”, “CEO Conversations: Secrets of Success (SOS)”, “Leadership by Innovation towards Sustainability and Success”
BILIF, as the Centre of Excellence for the finance industry in Brunei Darussalam, continues to pursue its mission to shape future leaders, experts, and innovators, particularly in the areas of Islamic finance and leadership through immersive programmes and world-class events. For more information on BILIF, please visit the BILIF website at www.bilif.com.bn or BILIF’s Instagram @BILIF.bn.