JAKARTA, MAY 25, 2026 – The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta successfully hosted an international academic forum, the 14th AICIF 2026: Expert Talk Series I, on Monday (May 25). The event, which addressed the crucial theme of “Waqf in Higher Education Sustainability,” was held online via the Zoom Meeting platform and attended by hundreds of participants from various academic circles, practitioners, and students.
The event opened with a warm welcome from the Chair of the Organizing Committee, Rahmawati, Ph.D. In her remarks, she expressed deep appreciation to all university partners, speakers, and participating attendees. She emphasized that this discussion series was designed to explore the immense potential of waqf as a strategic instrument.

The event was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Ibnu Qizam, M.Si. In his opening remarks, Prof. Ibnu Qizam emphasized the importance of innovative funding in higher education in the modern era. “Waqf is no longer merely an instrument of ritual worship, but rather a pillar of Islamic social finance capable of maintaining the resilience, sustainability, and governance of higher education institutions so that they remain independent and have a broad impact on the community,” he said.
Featuring Cross-Sector Experts
This panel discussion was interactive and moderated by Diamantin Rohadatulf Aisy, M.A. (Lecturer in Sharia Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Business, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta). The three expert speakers included: 

1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khoirul Umam, M.Ec. (Vice Rector III for Research and Cooperation, Darussalam Gontor University) – Presenting real-world implementations and success stories of productive waqf management within Islamic boarding schools and universities.
2. Prof. Ir. Dr. Muhammad Nadratuzzaman Hosen, Ph.D. (Professor of Islamic Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta) – Discussing regulatory, governance, and academic perspectives, as well as the challenges in optimizing waqf instruments in Indonesia.
3. Syamsul Aidi Bachtiar (Chief of Compliance & Sharia Legal, CIMB Niaga Syariah) – Providing the Islamic banking industry’s perspective on the integration of modern financial systems with professional waqf fund management.

Focus on Institutional Resilience
In line with the main agenda, experts agreed that the utilization of waqf as an instrument of Islamic social finance must be managed transparently and accountably. Through good governance, waqf can serve as a long-term solution to the challenges of higher education operational costs and become a key resource in supporting sustainable research and scholarships.
Through the organization of this Expert Talk Series I, the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta is committed to continuing to champion progressive ideas in the field of Islamic social finance, while expanding its international network in preparation for the 14th AICIF 2026. (AC)

Further Information & Media Contacts:
•    Email: aicif2026@apps.uinjkt.ac.id
•    Website: aicif.uinjkt.ac.id
•    Public Relations (PR):
o    Mrs. Dwi (+62 818-710-289)
o    Ms. Alzena (+62 812-1844-6769)