Mathematics is no longer seen merely as a discipline of numbers and formulas, it has become a vital foundation for addressing strategic societal challenges, including the development of a sustainable Islamic economy. This perspective took center stage at the National Seminar themed “The Contribution of Mathematics in Realizing a Sustainable Islamic Economic Ecosystem,” held alongside the launch of the Master's Program in Mathematics at the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

The event, held in the Theatrical Room on the 1st Floor of FST UIN Sunan Kalijaga, was attended by approximately 150 participants comprising lecturers, students, researchers, and practitioners. The seminar formed part of the broader launch of the Master's Program in Mathematics, officially opened to strengthen the development of mathematical sciences while meeting the growing demand for qualified human resources across strategic sectors.

The seminar featured two speakers with expertise in Islamic economics and applied mathematics. The first, Dr. Priyonggo Suseno, Ph.D., a lecturer at the Islamic University of Indonesia and Deputy Chairman of the Regional Board of the Islamic Economic Society (MES) of Yogyakarta, presented on “The Contribution of Mathematics in Realizing a Sustainable Islamic Economic Ecosystem.”

In his presentation, Priyonggo explained that the development of Islamic economics has entered an increasingly complex phase, requiring strong scientific and analytical support. Mathematics, he argued, plays a crucial role in translating Islamic principles into economic models that can be empirically tested and applied across various policy contexts.

He outlined four phases in the evolution of Islamic economics and finance: the translation of Qur'anic and Hadith principles into economic ethics in the 1970s; the purification of financial systems from prohibited elements in the 1990s; the restructuring of Islamic financial products to move beyond mere imitation of conventional systems; and the post-2010 beyond banking phase, focused on advanced financial innovation and engineering.

“Mathematics is an essential instrument for modeling consumer behavior within moral constraints, measuring the impact of Islamic economic policies, and providing a more measurable explanation of the concept of blessing, or barakah, in economic activity,” he said.

Priyonggo also highlighted the alignment between the maqasid al-shariah, the protection of religion, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Islamic economics, he stressed, is not only about what is halal and haram, but also about justice, social welfare, and long-term sustainability.

The second speaker, Dr. Danang Teguh Qoyyimi, a lecturer at Gadjah Mada University and Head of the Statistics Studies Division of IndoMS for the Yogyakarta and Central Java region, presented on “Our Hajj Finance: Worship, Mathematics, Sustainability, and the Islamic Financial Ecosystem.”

Danang explained how mathematics, statistics, and actuarial science play an essential role in sustaining the management of Indonesia's hajj funds, which face complex challenges due to the lengthy waiting period for prospective pilgrims, currently exceeding 27 years in some regions.

He noted that managing hajj funds goes beyond investment considerations and involves demographic projections, mortality rates, inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and a range of risks that must be carefully assessed through quantitative approaches.

“The sustainability of hajj funds requires robust modeling. This is where mathematics and actuarial science come in, to project future obligations, manage risk, and ensure that funds remain sufficient to serve pilgrims on a continuous basis,” he said.

Danang also introduced a range of approaches used in modern Islamic financial management, from stochastic modeling and portfolio optimization to scenario analysis and forecasting techniques employed to evaluate policy impacts and funding adequacy. He further emphasized the importance of problem-solving skills, data analysis, computational programming, and mathematical thinking for the next generation seeking to contribute to the halal industry and Islamic finance.

The discussion, moderated by Dr. Mohammad Farhan Qudratullah, a lecturer in the Mathematics Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, was highly interactive. Participants raised diverse questions covering the effectiveness of government assistance programs from an Islamic economic perspective, the inclusivity of Islamic economics for non-Muslims, hajj fund management, and the opportunities for mathematics in advancing the halal industry and ethics-based technology.

The seminar also underscored the importance of collaboration among mathematicians, Islamic economists, regulators, and industry practitioners in developing innovative models capable of strengthening the national Islamic financial ecosystem.

Through the launch of the Master's Program in Mathematics and the organization of this national seminar, UIN Sunan Kalijaga reaffirms its commitment to delivering mathematics education that is not only academically excellent, but also relevant in addressing development challenges, including the strengthening of an equitable and sustainable Islamic economy. (humassk)