Maybank Indonesia Builds 'Giant Network' for Halal Ecosystem from Healthcare to SMEs

Amid the strengthening momentum of the Sharia economy, Indonesia stands as one of the world’s largest halal markets. Public demand for Sharia-based products and services continues to rise, driving the rapid development of the halal ecosystem, which is no longer limited to the food and lifestyle sectors. The growth of the halal ecosystem now extends to strategic sectors such as healthcare, education, and community-based services. However, behind this promising growth lies a fundamental challenge: suboptimal inter-sector connectivity and uneven access to financing. It is these challenges that PT Bank Maybank Indonesia Tbk (Maybank Indonesia or the Bank) (IDX: BNII) is attempting to bridge through its Sharia Business Unit (UUS) by introducing a more integrated approach to building the halal ecosystem. Rather than merely offering financial products, Maybank Indonesia positions itself as a connector, linking various elements in the Sharia economic value chain. One concrete step is evident in the healthcare sector. Here, Maybank Indonesia not only provides financing for institutions but also delivers solutions that support the ecosystem’s more comprehensive development, including the procurement and development of healthcare facilities and infrastructure, as well as support for operational needs and business expansion. Furthermore, the services offered encompass employee payroll management, fulfilment of daily operational transaction needs, investment services, and financing for employees and their families, as well as individuals who are part of a community or ecosystem. Thus, healthcare institutions not only gain access to funding but also an integrated financial system to support the sustainability of their operations. This approach reflects a shift in the role of Sharia banking, from merely providing products to becoming an enabler that allows halal economic activities to operate more effectively and interconnectedly. Romy Buchari, Director of Maybank Indonesia’s Sharia Business Unit, emphasised that this strategy is part of the Bank’s long-term vision. “Developing the halal ecosystem requires cross-sector collaboration that is interconnected. Through this approach, we are presenting Sharia financial solutions that are not only business-relevant but also capable of supporting community economic activities comprehensively,” said Romy in a written statement on Thursday (16/4). Connecting Sectors, Expanding Impact. It was further explained that this integration effort does not stop at the healthcare sector. Maybank Indonesia is expanding a similar approach to other sectors such as education, food & beverage (F&B), and community-based services, to create stronger connectivity between sectors in the Sharia economy. By integrating financial services into various real economic activities, Romy stated that the impact extends not only to increased productivity but also to the ecosystem’s ability to adapt to the continuously changing needs of society. This initiative also aligns with ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) principles, particularly in driving social impact through the strengthening of essential sectors. At the same time, the development of the halal ecosystem opens opportunities for SME growth as an important part of the Sharia economic value chain. For Maybank Indonesia, this step is not merely a business strategy but a long-term commitment. “Strengthening the halal ecosystem is part of our commitment to delivering inclusive and sustainable financial services. This also aligns with our aspiration to become a global leader in Sharia banking and to carry out the mission of Humanising Financial Services,” Romy concluded.