IKOSINDO Holds 3rd National Congress, Optimistic Sharia Cooperatives Will Become Pillar of Indonesia's Economic Independence

The Indonesian Sharia Cooperative Association (IKOSINDO) held its 3rd National Congress (MUNAS) in 2026, combined with a National Seminar, on Tuesday and Wednesday, 23–24 June. The event served as a platform for consolidation, evaluation, and strengthening the sharia cooperative movement in the country. IKOSINDO’s Acting Chairman, Wawan Wikasno, expressed strong optimism regarding the future of Indonesian sharia cooperatives over the next five to ten years. IKOSINDO hopes the government will provide stronger support through recognition and legitimacy so that sharia economic growth can be more optimal, easily accessible, and bring benefit to the welfare of the community. As an organisation that oversees sharia cooperative members in Indonesia, IKOSINDO affirmed its openness to all parties wishing to contribute. “IKOSINDO is not only for sharia financial institutions, but for all individuals who want to jointly build and strengthen the sharia economy in Indonesia,” Wawan said. The 3rd IKOSINDO National Congress carried the strategic theme: “Strengthening Professional Synergy and Sharia Cooperative Collaboration to Face the Global Crisis and Encourage Indonesia’s Economic Independence.” Wawan Wikasno stated that the congress was held in Bogor due to its proximity to the national capital, aiming for its strategic impact to be felt more widely by the public, business actors, and national stakeholders. According to Wawan, the chosen theme answers the current global economic challenges, which cannot be faced partially or individually. “In the Islamic perspective, synergy and togetherness are essential foundations for building the economic strength of the ummah. Our economy cannot grow well if we work alone. Islam encourages its followers to synergise, because the hand of Allah is with the congregation (jama’ah),” he said. Amid global economic uncertainty, sharia cooperatives are considered to have an increasingly vital role. The sharia economic model is seen as more humane, just, and prioritises the principle of mutual consent (antaradhi minkum) in every transaction. With networks spread across all corners of the country, IKOSINDO plays a significant role in national economic development, particularly in empowering MSMEs. Beyond the economic sector, IKOSINDO’s Baitul Maal is also active on the front lines, especially in assisting with various natural disaster responses in Indonesia. Going forward, IKOSINDO is committed to continuing to champion a people-based economy based on the concept of Islam Rahmatan lil ’Alamin. To strengthen this ecosystem, IKOSINDO encourages solid collaboration between three main pillars: sharia cooperatives, the government, and business actors. This step is in line with the values of the Qur’an, Surah Al-Hasyr verse 7, which teaches that wealth should not only circulate among certain groups. “We want the government to hear directly about the real contributions of sharia cooperative actors spread across all corners of Indonesia,” said Wawan. The grand agenda was attended by 207 participants and invited guests from various provinces in Indonesia. In addition to Java, delegations also came from North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Kalimantan, and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). Apart from gaining new insights on improving human resource capacity and institutional professionalism through the National Seminar, participants also used the momentum to strengthen ties and open business networking opportunities. The main message of the seminar emphasised that sharia economic actors must be resilient, not only in terms of financial capital, but also strong in knowledge and understanding of sharia principles.