Academia Open
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): December

Four Pillars of Sharia Microfinance Institution Development: Empat Pilar Pengembangan Lembaga Keuangan Mikro Syariah

Dayu Rizki Nurhamda (Ekonomi islam, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Saparuddin Siregar (Ekonomi islam, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Muhammad Ikhsan Harahap (Ekonomi islam, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Aug 2025

Abstract

General Background: Lembaga Keuangan Mikro Syariah (LKMS) plays a crucial role in promoting inclusive finance and supporting small-scale economic empowerment within Islamic economic systems. Specific Background: Despite the growth of more than 500 LKMS in Indonesia, challenges remain regarding competition with conventional institutions, limited capital, regulatory gaps, low financial literacy, and adaptation to digitalization. Knowledge Gap: Previous studies have examined governance, literacy, and digitalization issues in LKMS, but limited research has integrated theoretical insights with practical challenges through the perspective of Prof. Dian Masyita, a leading scholar in Islamic microfinance. Aims: This study analyzes the development strategies of LKMS based on Prof. Dian Masyita’s thought, focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. Results: Findings highlight four pillars for strengthening LKMS: community-based approaches, reinforcement of Sharia-compliant business models, product diversification, and technological utilization. LKMS is not only a financial institution but also a social agent fostering justice, transparency, and local empowerment. Novelty: The research identifies unique strategic patterns by linking theory with field realities, extending beyond prior literature. Implications: Strengthening LKMS through these pillars can enhance financial inclusion, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable socio-economic development, while offering guidance for policymakers and practitioners in advancing Islamic finance.Highlight : LKMS supports Islamic financial inclusion and community welfare. Four main pillars: community, Islamic business model, product diversification, technology. Main challenges: competition with fintech, regulation, and low financial literacy. Keywords : Sharia Microfinance Institutions, Financial Inclusion, Sharia Economic Development, Financial Literacy, Technology

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Journal Info

Abbrev

acopen

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Academia Open is published by Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo published 2 (two) issues per year (June and December). This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. This ...