Komite Nasional Ekonomi dan Keuangan Syariah (KNEKS) provided Capacity Building Eksyar 2024 training to dozens of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in South Kalimantan (Kalsel) to enhance Sharia economic literacy. Sutan Emir Hidayat, Director of Sharia Ecosystem Infrastructure at KNEKS, served as a speaker, delivering Sharia economics and finance materials to over 50 MSMEs across South Kalimantan during the National Halal Fair Kalsel 2024 in Banjarmasin on Wednesday. "This activity aims to enhance the Sharia economic and financial ecosystem. Currently, Indonesia has 27 Regional Sharia Economic and Financial Committees (KDEKS) that will assist KNEKS in improving the halal ecosystem," he stated. Sutan explained that MSMEs would gain various knowledge and guidance, including registering products to obtain halal certification, thereby strengthening the Sharia economic ecosystem in South Kalimantan. "Understanding Sharia economics is a challenge faced by MSMEs. According to a Bank Indonesia survey, out of 100 Indonesians, only 28 understand Sharia economic concepts and the halal industry," he noted. Therefore, he emphasized the need to bolster Sharia economic literacy across various regions, particularly during the Ramadan Holy Month, as demonstrated by the National Halal Fair 2024 held in 12 provinces across Indonesia. According to Sutan, the National Halal Fair is a significant event that not only provides guidance to MSMEs but also introduces various products to the public. Moreover, as of 2023, approximately 3.6 million MSME products in Indonesia have been registered with halal certification. The government's target is to certify up to 10 million MSME products, leaving around 6.4 million more products to be registered for halal certification.
Therefore, he encouraged the public, especially MSMEs, to take advantage of the National Halal Fair 2024, which is currently being held from March 19 to 24, 2024. Meanwhile, Wahyu Pratomo, the Head of Bank Indonesia's South Kalimantan Representative Office, stated that the National Halal Fair 2024 in South Kalimantan supports the government's program, particularly the national campaign for Sharia economic development, especially in the halal MSME sector. "MSMEs attending the National Halal Fair 2024 should seize this opportunity as it is an effort to strengthen the Sharia ecosystem in Indonesia," Wahyu emphasized.
