11 April 2025   20:04 Diperbarui: 16 April 2025  
+

Introduction

Islamic financial institutions still do not reach many areas in Indonesia, especially in remote areas and islands. As part of the effort to increase Islamic financial inclusion, this article discusses various methods that can be used to overcome geographical constraints. In addition, the author analyzes two financial products that are considered most relevant to reach people in low-access areas: Sharia Digital Financial Services (LKDS) and BSI Sharia Smart Money Agent. The analysis of the suitability and effectiveness of these two products is based on their ease of access, sharia compliance, and ability to reach underserved segments.

In remote areas that are not served by formal financial institutions, Islamic financial inclusion is becoming increasingly important. Access to financial services is essential for managing economic risks, saving, and obtaining financing (Widjaya & Fasa, 2024). However, these financial rights cannot be utilized by people living in areas that lack the infrastructure and network of financial institutions (Majid et al., 2022). The uptake of Islamic finance faces real geographical challenges, such as difficult road conditions, limited internet access, and lack of financial knowledge.

As an important part of the national Islamic banking sector, Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) must develop a flexible and inventive approach in this regard (Niswah & Tambunan, 2022). Breaking through geographical boundaries requires collaboration and technology based on local communities in addition to expanding physical networks (Masruroh & Fardian, 2022).

Sharia Digital Financial Services (LKDS) and BSI Sharia Smart Money Agent. are the two main solutions that are considered effective. LKDS has various features, such as application-based Islamic financing, digital savings, and online account opening (Sari, 2023). These services allow people to obtain financial products without having to go to a branch office. However, its effectiveness depends on signal availability and people’s understanding of digital technology (Elsa Bella Lilisonya et al., 2023).

Meanwhile, BSI Sharia Smart Money Agent rely on trained personnel from the local community. This scheme empowers the community economically and shortens the service distance. Using this method, transactions such as cash deposits, payments, and account opening can be done quickly and cheaply while maintaining sharia principles (Ceasario & Nisa, 2024; Islamiah et al., 2024; Takwim et al., 2024).

To improve Islamic financial inclusion, technological methods and strengthening local communities can be combined. For a fair, transparent and sharia-based financial system to be enjoyed by everyone, wherever they are, these efforts must be strengthened by cooperation between the government, financial industry and community leaders.

Analysis

Two products that are appropriately assessed to solve this problem are:

1. Sharia Digital Financial Services (LKDS)

Digital financing applications, sharia-based e-wallets, and mobile banking are part of this service. People can get financing, save money, or give ZISWAF through LKDS without having to go to a branch office. This solution is very important considering the increasing penetration of smartphones. However, this solution must be supported by improving digital literacy and network infrastructure (Fasa et al., 2024).

LKDS is very effective for reaching areas that do not have physical access, especially if supported by the expansion of internet infrastructure and cooperation with local mobile operators. Since this system reduces the need to physically build branches, it is effective and cheap (Choiriyah, 2021). However, the success of LKDS relies heavily on cooperation between BSIs, local governments, and local educational institutions such as Islamic boarding schools or Islamic schools (Islamiah et al., 2024). The implementation of LKDS must be balanced with sharia-based digital literacy training so that people can not only access technology but also understand the underlying principles of muamalah (Dewa et al., 2024).

As long as there is signaling and instruction support, this product is perfect for remote areas. By maintaining sharia principles in every transaction, LKDS enables transparency and operational efficiency.

2.BSI Sharia Smart Money Agent

Under this program, local individuals or small businesses are empowered to act as authorized BSI agents to service basic banking transactions such as account opening, cash deposits, and payments (Sasongko et al., 2024). These agents serve as an extension of the BSI in areas where there is no BSI branch office.

 BSI Sharia Smart Money Agent are ideal for implementation in areas that have limited infrastructure and less accessible digital services (Ramdhany, 2019). In accordance with the principle of ta’awun (helping each other) in Islam, this model has the ability to deliver financial services with a local and humanist approach. In turn, the presence of agents increases economic inclusion by opening up new business opportunities. One of the main issues with this model is the need for intensive training and supervision to ensure sharia compliance and consumer protection (Sasongko et al., 2024). BSI Sharia Smart Money Agent can spearhead inclusive, participatory, and sustainable sharia financial inclusion with the support of OJK regulations and cooperation with educational institutions and community leaders (Rahmawati, 2024).

Conclusion

To improve Islamic financial inclusion, technology and local community strengthening methods can be combined. For a fair, transparent and sharia-based financial system to be enjoyed by everyone, the government, financial industry and community leaders must work together to strengthen this effort.

As it relies on local participation, this model is suitable for areas without financial institutions. Not only is the service direct, affordable and flexible, but it also allows the community to act as agents.

Islamic financial inclusion strategies can be effectively implemented in areas that do not have access to financial institutions. Local community empowerment and digitalization are key in breaking through geographical boundaries and providing Islamic financial services equitably. This can be achieved by utilizing technology and local partnership approaches.

A comprehensive strategy combining digital innovation and local community empowerment is needed to address the challenges of Islamic financial inclusion in areas that lack access to financial institutions. People can enjoy sharia financial services without geographical barriers through sophisticated and technology-based sharia digital financial solutions (LKDS). In contrast, as an extension of Islamic banking, BSI Sharia Smart Money Agent provides a local and personal touch through direct engagement with the community. These two methods complement each other: LKDS is aimed at people who have limited mobility but have internet access, while BSI Sharia Smart Money Agent reach areas that do not yet have digital infrastructure.

For both to operate well and sustainably, training, literacy, and cross-sector collaboration are required. To ensure social and spiritual inclusion of Islamic finance, local governments, religious leaders, Islamic educational institutions, and regulators such as OJK are responsible. With this approach, Islamic finance can truly be used to promote social justice and equitable economic empowerment across the country.

Reference

Ceasario, A. F., & Nisa, F. L. (2024). Transformasi Keuangan Digital dalam Perspektif Ekonomi Syariah: Peluang , Tantangan , dan Dampak Terhadap Inklusi Keuangan. 3(2), 102–114. https://doi.org/10.35905/rikaz.v3i2.9596

Choiriyah, Z. (2021). Inklusi Finansial Platform Digital Syariah Amaan. Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Perbankan Syariah, 1(2), 265–272.

Konten ini telah tayang di Kompasiana.com dengan judul “Breaking Through Geographical Boundaries: Islamic Financial Institutions Inclusion Strategies in Areas with Limited Access to Financial Institutions”, Klik untuk baca:
https://www.kompasiana.com/muhammadiqbalmahdi9135/67f91348c925c41ef44ea462/breaking-geographical-sharia-financial-inclusion-strategy-in-regions-with-limited-access-to-financial-institutions

Kreator: Muhammad Iqbal Mahdi

source https://www.kompasiana.com/muhammadiqbalmahdi9135/67f91348c925c41ef44ea462/breaking-geographical-sharia-financial-inclusion-strategy-in-regions-with-limited-access-to-financial-institutions