Governor: Sharia Economy to Become a New Driver in South Sumatra
South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru stated that the Sharia economy must become one of the new drivers in promoting regional economic growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and competitive. Speaking during the FESyar Regional Sumatra 2026 in Palembang on Saturday, Herman Deru noted that the event serves as a strategic momentum to strengthen the development of Sharia economics and finance in a region with a majority Muslim population.
“I immediately welcomed and prioritised this activity. South Sumatra has a Muslim population of approximately 90 per cent. When South Sumatra was trusted to host this as part of the road to the national festival, I was very pleased,” he said. According to the Governor, the potential for the Sharia economy in South Sumatra remains vast, yet the utilisation of Sharia financial services by the community has not yet reached its optimum.
Therefore, collective efforts are required to increase literacy and public acceptance of Sharia economics and finance to ensure a greater contribution to regional economic growth. “This is a shared question: is it due to insufficient socialisation or low acceptance? We must identify the cause so that Sharia economics and finance can continue to flourish,” he explained.
The Governor added that the application of Sharia principles is not merely about business labels, but is reflected in economic behaviours that are honest, transparent, and beneficial to society. “Sharia is not just a label, but a behaviour. It is about how we conduct our economy in a good, transparent manner in accordance with Sharia principles, while still driving regional economic growth,” he remarked.
He also called upon the younger generation to better understand the Sharia economy through continuous education and literacy. Strengthening Sharia financial literacy should begin early, involving schools and universities to foster a generation that understands and is capable of developing the Sharia economic sector in the future.
During the event, Herman Deru also presented several developmental achievements serving as capital for strengthening South Sumatra’s economy, including economic growth that ranks second highest in Sumatra after Riau, success in inflation control, and significant achievements in regional financial digitalisation. His administration also continues to strengthen the economic foundation through various strategic developments, including the construction of an ocean port, which is expected to accelerate regional economic growth.