Be Careful with innovation based on greed, it is the government duty to make sure that each innovation can bring benefits to the people: Indonesian President Jokowi Widodo
JAKARTA (Indonesia) – The 12th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) began in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. Indonesian President Jokowi Widodo opened the 12th World Islamic Economic Forum, urging the Muslim community to use their fundamental powers to tackle the global economy. The event will run until Thursday with the participation of more than 2,500 delegates from 69 countries.
Jokowi asserted that he often see innovations that did not bring benefits to the people. He said that he had seen innovations made only to profit the innovators. Such innovations, Jokowi said, indicates an innovation that is based on greed.
Jokowi stated that Islamic countries are in need of innovations that can bring benefits to all of its people. Therefore, Jokowi said that it is the government’s duty to make sure that each innovation can bring benefits to the public.
Islamic fashion, cuisine, arts, and architecture have been growing rapidly and have the potential to create a new international economy, he added.
Widodo said the Muslim community also sees the vibrant development of Sharia financial industry which is now worth of millions of dollars.
Speaking at the Jakarta Convention Centre, President Widodo said the Muslim community had the best demographic figures, apparently dominated by youths when compared to other communities.
Themed “Decentralizing Growth, Empowering Future Business” the forum, will emphasize the progress of enterprises, while also exploring topics such as infrastructure investment, zakat (alms) and waqf (charitable endowment) management and Islamic tourism.
This platform offers delegates to discuss challenges, opportunities, and latest issues and trends surrounding the global business landscape.
The opening ceremony was attended by Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Guinea President Alpha Conde and Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickemenshinghe.
The earlier the forums were held in Kuala Lumpur, Islamabad, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, London, and Dubai.