UNIDA Gontor — Universitas Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor received a distinguished guest, Asst. Prof. Dr. Amal Essayem from the Institute of Islamic Economics and Finance, Marmara University, Türkiye, who commenced a month-long academic visit in early July 2026, hosted by the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM). The visit, running through late July, combines institutional dialogue, guest lectures, collaborative field research, and cultural and community engagement, reflecting UNIDA Gontor’s continued commitment to strengthening global academic partnerships.
A significant portion of the visit was dedicated to a joint research initiative on community resilience through Islamic social finance, conducted in collaboration with a field research team led by Atika Rukminastiti Masrifah, MESy.
With the dedicated support of the student research team, data collection was executed rapidly and efficiently. To complement and validate the study’s expertise, the team also conducted an institutional visit to BMT La Tansa Gontor, where they were warmly received by the Chairman, Al-Ustadz Masykur Hasan, S.H.I., M.Pd.
A central highlight of the visit was Dr. Essayem’s series of guest lectures for UNIDA Gontor students. She delivered a session titled “Synergy Across Borders: Exploring Islamic Capital Market Landscapes in Turkey and Indonesia”—an exclusive sharing session for undergraduate students coordinated by Yayan Firmansah, M.PSDM., Ph.D. and Lathiefa Rusli, M.M.
Later in her visit, she conducted further sessions for Master’s degree students on “Research Methods and Future Directions for Islamic Economics Research,” reaching multiple classes across both the Main and Female Campuses. Her lecture series concluded with a talk for the Mawarith Thoughts Series, titled “Financial Market Products as Inheritance Assets,” supported by the Center for Mawarith Studies (CMS).
Beyond institutional coordination, the initiative extended deeply into the grassroots level through direct engagement with coffee farmers in the Pulung highlands. With official clearance granted by M. Tunggul Swastiko, Head of the Plantation Division at the Ponorogo Agriculture Office, the team headed to Pulung District to immerse themselves in the local farming ecosystem.
During the visit, Lukito Hari Sediarto, SP, MMA, representing the Plantation Division, highlighted the vision to “realize Ponorogo coffee with global value” by encouraging local farmers to master proper cultivation techniques—laying a strong groundwork for sustainable community empowerment and targeted agricultural solutions.
Extending their community engagement to Ngawi Regency, the research team visited the village business center in Sambirejo Village, Mantingan District. During this field initiative, the team was joined by Andi Triyawan, who serves as the mentor for UNIDA Gontor’s fostered village program.
The event was attended by the Head of Mantingan District, Mr. Budi Wijayanto, S.E., M.M., and the Head of Sambirejo Village, Mr. Sumarno, S.Ag., M.Pd. Under their coordinated guidance, the community has successfully developed a diverse portfolio of local business units. This visit provided the team with valuable insights into how structured local governance and rural enterprise management can effectively empower residents and drive sustainable, village-based economic growth.
As Dr. Amal Essayem concluded her month-long academic residence, this visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening international academic linkages for both institutions. Reflecting on the fruitful engagement, UNIDA Gontor and Marmara University expressed a shared vision to expand their collaboration beyond this visit. Looking ahead, both universities aim to formalize joint research endeavors, facilitate student and faculty exchange programs, and co-develop strategic initiatives in Islamic economics and finance—fostering a long-term partnership that bridges academic excellence between Indonesia and Türkiye.
Penulis: Atika Rukminastiti
Editor: Ahmad Ma’ruf Muzaidin Arrosit
Redaksi: UNIDA Gontor
