Islamic Banking as a Solution for Achieving National Economic  Stability Based Real Sector

by Lili Fajri Dailimi

Banking in the life of a country is one of the development agent (Agent of Development). This is because the primary function of banks as a financial intermediary, it  which collect public funds in the form of savings and channel them back to the community in the form of loans or financing. So that its presence is expected to meet the funding requirements for the state and the community to support the course of the process of national development.

Bank Islam or more popular with the terms of Bank Sharia evolved in recent years. Like for example in Indonesia Act which expressly recognizes the existence of Islamic banks there is a new 1998 although it has not touched on the technical and operational level. With recent data on the number of Islamic Banks February 2013 a total of 11 Islamic Banks, the amount of Islamic Business Unit totaling 24 Units, and Islamic rural banks totaling 157 units could make Islamic banking industry grew by 33%, much higher than conventional banking which only grew on average 18% per year.

With the growth of Islamic banking which is expected to significantly revitalize the national economy that embraces the ideology of neo-liberalism on the basis of interest (usury) for a better direction, especially in supporting SME sectors are struggling in the real sector. This is consistent with the role of Islamic banks as an institution that not only aim for profit (tijari), but more than that Islamic banks have a social function in wealth society (tabarru). For example, in the distribution of funds, Islamic banks use the concept of partnership which means that banks earn profit sharing in accordance with the agreements that have been dealed. Ofcourse, only for the implementation of the results must be in accordance with the results actually obtained from the business. Thus, the number of results submitted to the bank, a small business at the time of lethargy, and great efforts are being excited at the time. It certainly would be more fair for both parties, either the bank or financing recipients. Unlike the case with conventional banks to set interest fixed regardless of the condition of the debtors business. From here it is clear that Islamic banking is a solution for people, especially the SMEs in starting and running a business activity.

In addition, the institution of zakat from Islamic Bank will increase its role as an institution of local society. So according to the opinion of the writer, Islamic banks both in terms of business or socially is a best solution for the advancement of the national economy based on the real sector, which is the root of the national economy.