ORI: Drafting of Sharia Economy Bill Must Prioritise Public Protection
The Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia (ORI) has reminded that the protection of public rights within Sharia economic services must be a primary consideration in the drafting of the Sharia Economy Bill.
The Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Ombudsman, Rahmadi Indra Tektona, stated that various sectors of the Sharia economy—including banking, business operations, and strategic sectors—fall within the scope of public services.
“This is as regulated under Article 5 of Law Number 25 of 2009 concerning Public Services,” Rahmadi said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Consequently, he noted, providers of Sharia economic services must meet measurable and accountable service standards, guarantee transparency and equal access for citizens, and maintain effective oversight mechanisms.
He specified that these service standards should include transparency, such as clear information regarding contracts, costs, and risks, as well as accessibility through easily reachable and timely services.
Furthermore, Rahmadi emphasised that Sharia economic service providers must not engage in discrimination, and there must be a provision of accurate information alongside legal protection against any provider misconduct.
“This protection must also encompass vulnerable groups and small-scale communities, who often find themselves in a weak position when dealing with service institutions,” he added.
He also encouraged the strengthening of Sharia economic institutional governance through better integration between agencies.
According to him, there is a need for an agency or body capable of coordinating various aspects of the Sharia economy under a single institutional umbrella to facilitate the harmonisation of policy, supervision, and public protection.
“In this way, the Sharia economic ecosystem can develop more integrally as part of a fair public governance system oriented towards the welfare of the wider community,” Rahmadi remarked.
Thus, he stressed the importance of strengthening the protection of public rights within the Sharia economic ecosystem during the formation of the Sharia Economy Bill.
The Sharia Economy Bill is currently with the House of Representatives (DPR RI) and has not yet become a top priority in the legislative discussion agenda.