Takalar, July 31, 2025 – The Islamic Economics Study Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Lamongan (UMLA) actively participated in the National Community Service event initiated by the Association of Islamic Economics Study Programs (APSEI) of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Universities (PTMA), held in Sampulungan Tourism Village, North Galesong District, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi.

Carrying the theme “Empowerment for Fishermen’s Wives (Crew Members’ Spouses) Who Trade & Run Small Businesses to Support the Family Economy in an Islamic Way”, this activity served as a real manifestation of UMLA’s commitment to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, especially in community engagement based on Islamic economic values.

Through an educational and practical approach, UMLA's team, along with representatives from 11 other Muhammadiyah universities, provided training for the participants—mostly fishermen’s wives—on Islamic entrepreneurship concepts (maqashid sharia-based entrepreneurship), basic business management, and Islamic financial literacy. These were designed to build long-term family economic resilience based on ethical and sharia principles.

This initiative also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:

SDG 1: No Poverty SDG 2: Zero Hunger SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

UMLA lecturers who attended the event emphasized the importance of community empowerment that is rooted in rahmatan lil ‘alamin principles—focusing on ethics, halal economy, and social solidarity.

“We believe that Islamic economics must be brought directly to the community, especially in coastal areas that have great potential but often lack support. The values of ta'awun (mutual assistance) and barakah (blessed sustenance) are the core principles we promote in this program,” said one of the UMLA faculty members.

In addition to educational sessions, the event included the distribution of basic food packages as a form of social concern. However, the most important element was the emphasis on sustainability through long-term Islamic economic empowerment.

APSEI has recommended that Sampulungan Village be developed as a community empowerment village by Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar as the host institution. This opens the door for ongoing collaboration between PTMA campuses, including UMLA, to expand the reach and implementation of practical Islamic economics in society.

Through this participation, UMLA’s Sharia Economics Study Program reaffirmed its commitment to building society through an economic da’wah approach, empowering coastal women, and realizing economic justice aligned with Islamic law and the mission of Universitas Muhammadiyah Lamongan as an excellent and progressive university.