Press Release: UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta Holds Seminar on the Pioneering Role of R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo in Indonesia’s Economic Development

Rectorate Building, UIN News Online —

UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta is scheduled to hold the National Seminar “The Pioneering Role of R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo in Laying the Foundations of a Modern Financial System for Indonesia’s Economic Development” at the Harun Nasution Auditorium, Campus I of UIN Jakarta, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 08.00 to 12.00 WIB. The event will be hosted by the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UIN Jakarta, in conjunction with the faculty’s 23rd anniversary celebration.

In his statement, the Seminar Chair and Dean of FEB UIN Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Ibnu Qizam, stated that the seminar aims to examine R.M. Margono’s contributions and pioneering role as a champion of national values in the fields of people’s economy, finance, and banking, while also reflecting on the relevance of his thinking in the modern era.

“This seminar is being held with the main objective of academically validating R.M. Margono’s contributions through an in-depth scientific study supported by credible historical data in the areas of people’s economy, finance, and banking,” he explained.

The seminar is scheduled to feature three speakers from among historians, academics, researchers, and economic practitioners. They are Prof. Dr. Sugeng Priyadi, M.Hum (Historian and Professor at Muhammadiyah University of Purwokerto), Prof. Dr. Jajat Burhanuddin, M.A (Historian and Professor at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta), and Major General (Ret.) TNI Dr. Kup Yanto Setyono, M.A. (Lecturer at the National Resilience Institute of the Republic of Indonesia/Lemhannas RI).

The involvement of these speakers is expected to present an in-depth discussion on R.M. Margono’s role and contributions within the context of national history in an objective and measurable manner. Furthermore, the event is conducted independently and without affiliation to any political interest, thus ensuring the integrity of the scientific study presented.

“Therefore, the discussion on R.M. Margono can be placed proportionally within Indonesian history, without distortion of narrative due to political agendas or the interests of specific groups,” he added.

R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo (1900–1980) was a central figure in the history of Indonesia’s struggle and economic development during the early post-independence period. His strategic role is reflected in his contribution to the establishment of Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) in 1946, which at the time served not only as the country’s first national commercial bank, but also acted de facto as a central bank before the founding of Bank Indonesia.

This initiative marked an early step in the development of a sovereign and independent national financial system. In addition, R.M. Margono is known as a pioneer of the people’s economy through his promotion of cooperatives as the main foundation of grassroots economic development.

His ideas regarding inclusive financial systems that combine modern banking principles with local wisdom demonstrate R.M. Margono’s visionary outlook, which remains relevant today. This is especially true in facing global economic challenges and the ongoing need for a fairer and more sustainable financial system.

Due to his contributions, R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo has recently been proposed as a candidate for the title of National Hero. Regarding this nomination, an objective and academic study is necessary, particularly in assessing the worthiness of his contributions and the integrity of his struggle within the context of Indonesian history.

One of the main considerations in this assessment is how far R.M. Margono’s role was strategic, far-reaching, and sustainable in the fight for independence and national development. As the founder of Bank Negara Indonesia during the physical revolution, R.M. Margono made a concrete contribution to building the foundation of national economic sovereignty, which is a vital aspect of independence.

Moreover, his commitment to people’s economy through the development of cooperatives shows his dedication to the interests of the broader population, rather than merely the elite. However, to ensure broad acceptance of this nomination, a comprehensive and politically unbiased historical study is needed to guarantee that the recognition is based on truly outstanding and nationally impactful services, in accordance with the criteria for being awarded the title of National Hero.

Seminar Secretary Dr. Rizqon Halal Syah Aji added that the event is scheduled to be attended by Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, MA, who will deliver a keynote speech. The event will also be attended by the Rector of UIN Jakarta, Prof. H. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A, Ph.D, who will deliver an opening address.

The national seminar will be attended by a variety of guests including government officials, academics, students, education practitioners, political figures, TNI/POLRI officers, leaders of civil society organizations, professors, traditional leaders, and the general public. The event is also open to the public and will be covered by the media.

“Hopefully, this seminar will spark ongoing discussions about the contributions of local figures in people’s economy, finance, banking, and nationalism—especially the role and contributions of R.M. Margono. And as a state Islamic university, UIN Jakarta can continue to help strengthen national identity through scholarly, Islamic, and Indonesian approaches,” he concluded.

(Information & Public Relations Center, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta)