Sharia Banking Commits to Build UMKM in the Hajj Equipment Industry
PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BSI) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the people’s economy and the national halal industry by involving dozens of MSMEs nurtured by the bank in the production of Indonesian pilgrims’ equipment. A range of pilgrims’ essentials — from ihram fabric, mukena, and Hajj batik to drawstring bags used by pilgrims this year — are produced by domestic artisans, mainly from UMKM hubs in Pekalongan, Central Java, and Bandung, West Java. This step forms part of BSI’s effort to build an inclusive sharia economy ecosystem, while helping Indonesian MSMEs upscale and penetrate global markets with products that meet international standards.
“CREATING ECONOMIC VALUE”
BSI Retail Banking Director Kemas Erwan Husainy, on Tuesday (19/5), stated that MSME involvement in meeting the needs of the Hajj pilgrims not only creates economic value but also serves as a symbol of the revival of the halal industry and Indonesian culture on the world stage. “BSI is not only present as the bank that receives the largest Hajj deposits in Indonesia, but also as a driver of the umat (community) economy. We want the Hajj pilgrimage journey to have broad economic impacts for the community through empowering local MSMEs,” he said.
According to Kemas, BSI remains consistent in supporting MSME development through various strategic programmes, ranging from business mentoring, capacity-building, entrepreneurship training, halal certification facilitation, to opening access to international markets via business matching.
This year, from around 203,000 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims departing for the Holy Land, about 83.5% or roughly 169,000 pilgrims paid their Hajj through BSI. To meet these needs, BSI provides around 104,000 mukenas, 85,000 ihram fabrics, and around 190,000 pieces of batik fabric distributed to prospective Indonesian pilgrims.
“In addition, BSI also provides drawstring bags to support pilgrims’ comfort during worship in the Holy Land. All these procurements were undertaken in collaboration with 37 MSMEs nurtured by BSI, which had undergone a rigorous screening process in accordance with government standards and specifications set by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia,” he added.
Kemas noted that besides supporting worship equipment needs, BSI also shows its concern for elderly and disabled pilgrims by sending 600 wheelchairs to be used during the peak rites in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna). The support is expected to help pilgrims perform their rites more safely, comfortably and smoothly.
EXPERIENCE AS CAPITAL
“One of the MSMEs involved in the national Hajj batik production, Ahmat Failasuf, said he was proud to gain the trust to produce Indonesia’s official Hajj batik. “We are grateful and proud to be entrusted with producing Indonesia’s Hajj batik. It’s not just fabric production; it also carries Indonesia’s identity to the Holy Land,” he said.
Ahmat added that nearly three decades of experience in the batik industry have become an important asset in maintaining quality and trust. He believes Indonesian batik will be the identity and differentiator of Indonesian pilgrims amid millions of pilgrims from various countries in the world.
The involvement of MSMEs in the national Hajj ecosystem is believed to create a large multiplier effect on community economic growth, strengthen the national halal industry, and expand Indonesia’s cultural product exposure on a global level.
BSI itself continues to strengthen support for MSMEs through strategic initiatives such as the development of BSI UMKM Center services, halal certification mentoring, business training, and facilitation of market access and financing.
The bank also aims to strengthen its contribution to the Government’s Asta Cita programme by developing retail and MSME segments financing to drive inclusive and sustainable national economic growth.