UNIDA Gontor — Universitas Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor, recognized as a Best Islamic University in Indonesia, hosted a grand gathering of leading academics, practitioners, and regulators from around the globe at the 13th ASEAN International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF). This prestigious three-day conference, held from December 3 to 5, 2025, was an integral part of the 100th Anniversary of Gontor.
Grand Opening and Vision for the Future
The opening ceremony on December 3, 2025, was conducted solemnly and attended by key figures, reaffirming Gontor’s commitment to advancing Islamic civilization and the global Sharia economy.
“This 13th AICIF is not just a conference, but a tangible manifestation of Gontor’s contribution to building a strong and ethical economic foundation for the Ummah,” stated K.H. Hasan Abdullah Sahal, President of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor, in his spirited opening remark.
Also present to offer insights was Pandji P. Djajanegara, Director of Sharia Banking at PT Bank CIMB Niaga, who highlighted the strategic role of Islamic banking in supporting national economic growth.
Meanwhile, the Rector of UNIDA Gontor, Prof. Dr. Hamid Fahmi Zarkasyi, M.A.Ed, M. Phil., emphasized that the conference serves as a vital platform for dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing Islamic Finance in the modern era.
International Collaboration for Knowledge
The conference’s vibrancy was enhanced by the presence of two prominent international speakers, Prof. Habib Ahmed, Sharjah Chair in Islamic Law & Finance from Durham University, United Kingdom, and Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Mohd Azmi Omar, President of ICIFE & INCEIF University, Malaysia. Their participation ensured in-depth discussions on governance, product innovation, and environmental issues within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Intensive Sessions, Abundant Articles
This year’s AICIF recorded exceptional participation, featuring 4 Plenary Sessions focused on strategic topics, and 2 highly intensive Parallel Sessions. A total of 116 quality scientific articles were presented by researchers from various countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Philippines, and, of course, Indonesia.
Topics covered included Islamic finance and digital transformation, green investment, Islamic social finance (zakat & waqf), and the development of Islamic business models adaptable to technological disruption.
The success of the 13th AICIF not only marks the historical milestone of Gontor’s 100th anniversary but also positions UNIDA Gontor as a Best Islamic University and a leading Islamic Finance study center at the ASEAN and global levels. The conference is expected to be a major catalyst for the birth of real innovation and collaboration for a more inclusive and sustainable future for the Islamic economy.
Author : Atika Rukminastiti Masrifah
Editor : Ahmad Ma’ruf Muzaidin Arrosit
