Zakat plays an undeniably significant role in social life. The enforcement of zakah in early Islamic history is evidence that it is a powerful tool for fostering economic growth. The economy under the reign of Caliphate Umar Ibn Abdul Azis even achieved a surplus, with no one having the right to receive zakah. Recent studies have attempted to link the role of zakah and economic growth qualitatively by arguing that zakah can contribute to economic development. However, the extent to which it has a multiplier effect on economic growth has not been examined. Considering this research gap, this study examines such an effect on economic growth, as represented by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To capture the full impact of zakah on aggregate production, two scenarios are conducted, namely the economy with and without zakah. The simulation results show that zakah can promote aggregate production. On the other hand, the economy experiences lower aggregate production when there is no zakah. An agent-based computational model (ABM) simulation is employed to run the simulation. The application of ABM in this study is intended to introduce the use of computational study as an alternative method of developing research in Islamic economics.

This research is proposed to measure financial inclusion index in 2 dimensions (2D-FII) in Indonesia Islamic banks. This research contributes on the measurement 2D-FII in regional level in Indonesia. The result shows that value of FII in Islamic banking in Indonesia is still low. Previous works show one of the determinant on increasing inequality in any country is a limited access to financial sector, especially for low income household (Akimov, Wijeweera, and Dollery 2006; Kenourgios and Samitas 2007; Levine 2003; D. Park and Shin 2015).  In other words, low level of FII in Indonesia perhaps is caused by inequality of income. Therefore, this research recommends policymaker to have more concern on poverty alleviation program and open new Islamic banks branches in the regional level.

This study aims to introduce the application of artificial intelligence in the area of Islamic finance by examining the dynamic changes of gross domestic product (GDP) under fully markup-based financing. The application of artificial intelligence using agent-based computational model (ABM) is employed to conduct the simulation. The simulation result shows that the movement of GDP under markup-based financing which represents Islamic financial system has better performance compared to interest-based lending. In this regard, profit shared to depositors has positive impact on GDP which also proofs that Islamic banking system may promote sustainable economic growth and may create wealth for the whole society. This study proofs that Islamic bank essentially more stable than conventional bank and hence may fights against crisis. This study is potentially the initial work to examine the dynamic changes of economic growth under fully Islamic financial system by applying artificial intelligence concept as its methodology. Thus, this study is expected to contribute to the development of Islamic economics and finance research.

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze the effect of financial depth in Islamic banks on income inequality in 33 provinces in Indonesia. Methodology – We use data for the period 2010-2018 from 33 provinces in Indonesia which are estimated using panel data to develop spatial panel data model. The dependent variable is income inequality, while the variable independent are Islamic regional financial depth, economic growth, human capital, and government expenditure.Findings – This research finds that Islamic Regional Financial Depth (FDS) has a positive and statistically significant direct effect on income inequality represented by Gini index. It means that an increase in the FDS will also cause an increase in the level of Gini index. In addition, the indirect effect of FDS on income inequality is also positive and significant, indicating that the ratio of financing to GRDP has a spillover effect on connected regions. Implications – This research recommends policymaker to expand the business of Islamic banking by financing the small medium enterprises and concern on the promotion of Islamic banking in the regional level. Originality – This study is potentially to contribute and be the early work which employs spatial analysis in the area of Islamic economics and finance. In addition, this study examines the impact of financial depth in Islamic bank on income inequality which is rarely discussed. Hence, this study presents relatively new information for policy makers, practitioners and researchers.

This paper seeks whether a J-Curve exists on the impact of changes in the Chinese Renminbi (RMB) exchange rates on bilateral exports of Indonesia to the United States (US), particularly in the long run. The Johansen cointegration procedures and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) regression are applied. The cointegration test shows that there are long-term relationships amongst real GDP of US, Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), real exchange rates and volatility, and Chinese RMB real exchange rates. The result shows that the RMB exchange rate has a negative significant impact (substitution relationship) on Indonesian export to the US. The result also suggests a dissatisfaction of the Marshall-Lerner condition indicating the J-curve phenomenon does not exist.