248 Bandung UMKM Complete R.I.S.E Islamic Training, Targeting 100% Monthly Turnover Increase

A collaborative program aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM) in Bandung, Indonesia, has successfully concluded. The Reach Independence & Sustainable Entrepreneurship (R.I.S.E) Islamic initiative, a joint effort by Maybank Syariah, the National Committee for Islamic Economy and Finance (KNEKS), MUI Kota Bandung, and other partners, provided training and mentorship to 248 UMKM participants over three batches from April to June 2026.

The program's closing ceremony on June 10, 2026, was attended by key figures from Bandung's Islamic economic ecosystem, including KH. Miftah Faridl, Chairman of MUI Kota Bandung, and Helma Agustiawan, Deputy Director of Business and Sharia Entrepreneurship at KNEKS. The training, conducted over relatively short, intensive sessions, focused on enhancing business capacity, standardizing products, and facilitating halal certification, with a target of increasing monthly turnover by 100%.

“

The Prophet Muhammad was a merchant. Khadijah was also a merchant and a respected wealthy businesswoman. After the Rightly Guided Caliphs, there was a group rarely mentioned: the combination of merchants and preachers. That combination spread Islam throughout the world, including Indonesia through trade.

During a closing address, Miftah Faridl reminded participants of the historical role of trade in spreading Islam, citing the Prophet Muhammad and Khadijah as prominent examples of merchants. He stressed that business is not solely about profit but also serves as a form of 'dakwah' (preaching or spreading the faith), highlighting the strategic importance of commerce for the Muslim majority in Indonesia.

Notably, the R.I.S.E Islamic program saw a significant participation of women, with 81% of the 248 trainees being female. This demographic highlights the program's focus on empowering women entrepreneurs within the Islamic economic framework. The initiative aims to provide long-term benefits, fostering business growth and contributing to the overall welfare of the community.

“

Trade, business, and entrepreneurship have a very important and strategic role for Muslims, who are the majority in Indonesia. However, there is still much work to be done, especially in efforts to improve the welfare of the less fortunate.