Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), inaugurate the new study program in the faculty through a “Grand Launching of the Islamic Economics and Finance Study Program,” Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Aula of the Suhardi Building, FEB UNS. The ceremonial cutting of the tumpeng (traditional yellow rice cone) by the Dean of FEB UNS symbolized the official inauguration of the study program, witnessed by the academic community, institutional partners, high-school representatives, and various stakeholders in the field of Islamic economics.

The Dean of FEB UNS, Prof. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, expressed his gratitude and appreciation in his welcoming remarks for the extensive support from multiple parties throughout the establishment process of the Islamic Economics and Finance Study Program. He emphasized that the inception of this study program is the culmination of a long-standing journey and cross-generational collaboration within FEB UNS.

“The success of this launching is a continuous process of initiatives pioneered long ago by senior deans and the founders of this study program. We are just continuing and implementing the aspirations that were built by our predecessors,” he stated.

Furthermore, he extended his appreciation to the FEB UNS former Deans of FEB UNS as his senior, the task force overseeing the new study program establishment, faculty members, and various institutions that supported the legal progression up to the program’s official inauguration. Further, he acknowledges external supports from key partners, including Bank Indonesia, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), and other Islamic financial institutions.

According to the Dean, the establishment of the Islamic Economics and Finance Study Program represents an integration and collaboration between internal academic elements and external stakeholders to advance Islamic economic education that remains relevant to societal needs.

“We hope this study program can keep advancing and fulfil public expectations. The presence of this program is also expected to foster new collaborative tools with high schools and partners to strengthen Islamic economics and financial literacy,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Vice Rector for Planning, Partnership, Internationalization, and Information Affairs UNS, Prof. Irwan Trinugroho, remarked that the establishment of the Islamic Economics and Finance Program is the result of extensive efforts involving numerous parties since the initial planning phases. He recounted the development process initiated by the senior deans of FEB UNS through the development of human resource, including sponsoring faculty members to pursue advanced studies in the field of Islamic economics.

“We are grateful to have visionary founders for initiating and preparing for the establishment of this study program from the very beginning. Praise be to God, it has now been achieved and officially launched,” he said.

Prof. Irwan also announced that the Islamic Economics and Finance Study Program is currently accepting new student applications via the independent selection pathway (Jalur Mandiri) until June 2, 2026, with an intake capacity of 60 students for its inaugural year.

He noted that the program possesses immense potential, supported by highly qualified academic staff, adequate learning facilities, and a dedicated building funded through the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) welfare program grant. “This study program becomes one of the new study programs at UNS that, prior to its official launch, already have its own building and comprehensive supporting facilities. The support extended to this program has been extraordinary,” he explained.

In addition to the inauguration and grand launching, the event featured a talk show titled “Syariah Future Talks: Literacy, Innovation, and Digitalization.” The discussion panel brought together various professionals and practitioners in Islamic economics, including Wawan Sugiyarto, Ph.D. (Analyst at DJPPR, Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia), Krishna Adityangga (CEO & Founder of Oorth), and Tastaffiyan Risfandy, Ph.D. (Islamic Banking Researcher at FEB UNS), with Dila Maghrifani, Ph.D., serving as the moderator.

Through this grand launching, FEB UNS envisions the Islamic Economics and Finance Study Program as a premier hub for developing adaptive Islamic economic knowledge while contributing to producing outstanding graduates in the global Islamic economics and finance sectors. The Grand Launching ceremony directly aligns with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), by expanding access to higher education within the domain of Islamic economics.