FEB UIN Jakarta National Seminar Highlights the Financial Legacy of R.M. Margono
Auditorium Harun Nasution, UIN News Online – The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of UIN Jakarta held a national seminar themed “Pioneering and Leadership of R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo in Establishing the Foundations of a Modern Financial System for Indonesia’s Economic Development” on Thursday (May 15, 2025). This event was not only part of the 23rd Anniversary celebration of FEB UIN Jakarta but also a significant moment to reflect on the contributions of a founding figure in Indonesia’s national financial system.
The seminar was both lively and solemn. It opened with a traditional Jamaliha dance from Banten, followed by a Qur’anic recitation from Surah Ali Imran verse 103, an opening prayer, the national anthem "Indonesia Raya", and the UIN Jakarta Hymn—all of which evoked a strong spirit of nationalism. A brief video profile of R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo served as a gateway for participants to understand the significance of this financial pioneer.
The event’s chief organizer, Prof. Dr. Ibnu Qizam, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA, in his opening remarks, stated that the seminar aimed to validate R.M. Margono’s role through a credible scientific approach. By involving historians, academics, and interdisciplinary researchers, the forum served as an important platform to objectively explore Margono’s contributions, as part of an independent effort free from political bias to preserve historical purity and academic integrity.
“R.M. Margono's name cannot be separated from the history of the establishment of Indonesia’s national financial system. He was a central figure in founding BNI, which marked a significant milestone in our post-independence financial system,” said Prof. Ibnu.
He emphasized, “We at FEB UIN Jakarta have both an academic and moral responsibility to continuously promote contextually grounded economic thought rooted in values.”
Prof. Ibnu further explained that this seminar followed a limited discussion and press conference held a day earlier at the FEB building. Although it was originally planned for May 16, coinciding with Margono’s birthday, the date was moved up for logistical reasons, as the event would be more effective on a Thursday than a Friday.
In his welcoming address, UIN Jakarta Rector Prof. H. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of rekindling historical awareness, especially among the younger generation. He asserted that Margono was not merely an economic figure, but a national hero who demonstrated that economic independence and nationalism are two inseparable sides of the same coin. “Margono reflects the wisdom of a nation. We need to revive such figures so that our youth do not lose touch with their historical roots and national identity,” Prof. Asep stated. He added, “Reflecting on figures like Margono is not just about remembering the past, but about charting the nation’s future.”
The national seminar also featured the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., as the keynote speaker. In his address, he underscored that Margono’s leadership must be viewed within the context of national spirituality—highlighting how his economic struggle was deeply infused with noble values and social concern.
The panel discussion featured three key speakers. Prof. Dr. Sugeng Priyadi, M.Hum., a Professor of History at Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, examined Margono’s pivotal role in founding Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), his involvement in the cooperative movement, and his contributions during the early years of Indonesia’s independence. Prof. Dr. Jajat Burhanuddin, M.A., Professor of Islamic History and Culture at UIN Jakarta, emphasized the need to recognize Margono as a pioneer of people-based economics who built from the grassroots through cooperatives and local financial institutions. Meanwhile, Nixon L.P. Napitupulu, President Director of Bank BTN, highlighted Margono’s visionary leadership, noting that his principles and integrity remain highly relevant in today’s banking and financial landscape.
At the end of the event, the organizing committee presented tokens of appreciation to the speakers, followed by a group photo session with all participants and guests. This seminar served not only as an academic forum but also as a contemplative space for drawing inspiration from history and reaffirming that Indonesia’s economy is built upon a foundation of struggle and service.
Photo Documentation:
(Rizkiyah Gustiana N./Fauziah M./Noeni Indah S./Photo: M. Fahri Afrizal)