Indonesian Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono Named Syarikat Islam President

SURABAYA — Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono was named president of the Lajnah Tanfidziyah of Syarikat Islam (SI) for the 2026-2031 term on Monday, according to Antara. The decision was made at the 42nd National Congress of the Majelis Tahkim in Surabaya.

Ferry replaces Hamdan Zoelva, who has been named chairman of the SI Central Council, Antara reported.

Citing a press release from the ministry in Jakarta, Antara reported that Ferry said he would continue programmes run in the previous term. He said he also aimed to raise the organisation's capacity and quality to strengthen economic empowerment for Muslims.

Ferry said SI would continue to strengthen "dakwah ekonomi", or economic outreach, as a way to promote welfare and self-reliance, according to the report.

He also pledged to activate all SI branches to help poor residents. "We will activate all branches to free people from the trap of illegal loans, provide food assistance, and resolve the problems of poor residents," Ferry said, according to Antara.

In his role as cooperatives minister, Ferry said he would seek to align SI's priority agenda with the Merah Putih Village/Urban Ward Cooperative programme, a tool for spreading economic benefits. He said cadres and members across regions could support the programme.

Ferry asked all SI members to support the organisation's five-year work plan. He also urged members to warn and correct the organisation if it departed from principles set by earlier leaders, the report said.

The report does not include reactions from other SI officials or independent comment. It does not give details of the congress vote or the number of delegates.

Background

Syarikat Islam is an Indonesian Islamic organisation with a long history in the country's economic and social life. Its Lajnah Tanfidziyah is the executive body that leads the organisation between congresses. Antara's report says the Majelis Tahkim is the body that held the 42nd National Congress.

The report is based on a press release from the ministry and has not been independently verified.