Darulfunun Institute

Institute for Development, Research and Initiatives (IDRIS)

Tag: Articles

  • Industrial Maturity: Bridging Capability Development and Business Transformation

    » Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives

    In today’s economic development, business transformation is a key characteristic of the process, as a result of the speed of technological change, digitalization, and the increasing globalisation of production systems. The manufacturing sector is under growing pressure to embrace new technological paradigms like advanced automation, data-driven production, and interconnected ecosystems. In this changing context, the term ‘industrial maturity’ has become important as a tool to analyse the development of industries from simple production systems to more complex, resilient and innovative systems. The concept of industrial maturity is still not well developed in the academic literature, especially in the explanation of the relationship between capability development and business transformation, despite its increased significance. This study revisits and conceptualizes industrial maturity by combining the concepts of capability theory, the resource-based view, and the literature on business model innovation to understand how technological resources and organizational capabilities can be the drivers of industrial transformation. The paper suggests a conceptual framework that presents industrial maturity as an evolutionary outcome of a combination of technology-driven resources, capability development, and business transformation. Technology-driven resources resemble the technological components of infrastructures, human resources, knowledge assets, and organization that facilitate industrial development. Capability accumulation is the ability of firms to implement, adapt, and deploy these resources effectively. Business transformation is the strategic reconfiguration of capabilities, assets, and business models in response to technological change. The proposed framework emphasizes that industrial maturity is not just a matter of technological adoption but a gradual evolution process that requires technological resource building, strategic adaptation, and ecosystem integration. More mature industries have more advanced technological capacities, adaptive business systems, and more robust innovation networks. This study brings a conceptual approach to the literature on industrial development and lays the groundwork for future empirical studies on business transformation in the digital economy.

  • AI Integration in Nigeria’s Financial Sector: Challenges and Opportunities for Professional Development

    » Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming banking, accounting, auditing, risk management, and customer service operations. In Nigeria, the integration of AI into the financial sector presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. This study examines the implications of AI adoption for professional development among Nigerian finance practitioners. Based on the frameworks of technological diffusion and human capital development, the research investigates how AI-driven tools like machine learning, natural language processing, robotic process automation, and predictive analytics are influencing financial practices and the skills required of professionals. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data from finance professionals in selected Nigerian banks and fintech firms with qualitative interviews with regulators, educators, and technology experts. In addition to highlighting important opportunities like increased productivity, fraud detection, financial inclusion, and better decision-making, the findings are anticipated to point out significant obstacles like job displacement, ethical dilemmas, regulatory gaps, and a lack of professional AI literacy.  In order to create a workforce prepared for AI, the study emphasizes the necessity of ongoing professional development, curriculum change in finance and accounting education, and cooperative efforts between the government, business community, and professional associations. The study conclude that effective AI integration in Nigeria’s financial sector depends not only on the availability of technology but also on giving finance professionals the knowledge, moral compass, and flexible abilities they need to prosper in the age of digital transformation.

  • Restoring Humanity Through Environmental Ethics: A Moral Solution to Human Negligence Towards Nature

    » Perwakilan: Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks

    Human greed, carelessness, and a lack of moral concern for other living things have undermined the vital connection that exists between humans and the environment.  Pollution, deforestation, and careless garbage disposal are just a few examples of how far society has strayed from its moral obligation to protect the environment. The goal of this study is to investigate how moral and ethical principles can be applied to rectify environmentally harmful human attitudes. The study’s primary goal is to advance environmental ethics as a means of resurrecting human empathy and accountability for all living things. Using a qualitative approach, books, journal articles, passages from the Qur’an, and prophetic traditions emphasizing moral behaviour and earth stewardship were reviewed. Results show that environmental degradation is not just a physical problem but also a moral one brought on by ignorance, greed, and a lack of empathy.  According to the study, people are more inclined to preserve and defend the environment when they see it through the prism of humanity and divine trust.  Therefore, the work suggests that public awareness campaigns be used to support the inclusion of environmental ethics in moral and religious education at all levels.  It suggests that people, educators, and religious organizations collaborate to create a culture of environmental responsibility and compassion for all living things, concluding that true humanity is reflected in genuine care for the environment.

  • Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future: A Religious Ethical Perspective

    » Perwakilan: Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks

    Everyone agrees that education is essential to both personal advancement and society change. The objective of sustainable development is threatened in the twenty-first century by a number of interrelated issues that the world community must deal with, including inequality, ecological degradation, moral decay, and technological disruption. In order to create a sustainable future, this paper investigates how religion, as a source of ethical and spiritual knowledge, might revolutionize education. The study combines UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goal with religious ethical frameworks using a qualitative and conceptual methodology. The results show that the moral underpinnings required to shift education towards sustainability are provided by faith-based values, such as stewardship, justice, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge. The study focusses on case studies from indigenous, Christian, and Islamic traditions that effectively connect religious principles with social and environmental responsibility. In order to achieve the aims of global sustainability, it calls for greater cooperation between governments, faith-based organizations, and educators. It concludes that a spiritually orientated education fosters societal harmony and comprehensive human development.

  • Waste Management in the Circular Economy Framework: A Study on Biomass and Compost Potential Production in Payakumbuh City

    » Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives

    This study explores the potential of integrating waste management strategies with circular economy principles to enhance biomass and compost production in the greater Payakumbuh area. As regional urbanization and domestic waste levels continue to rise, there is an urgent need to shift from linear waste disposal systems toward resource-oriented waste valorization. This paper proposes a circular model that repositions organic household waste as a green input for local biomass energy and organic fertilizer production, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability, regional agricultural resilience, and green economic development. Drawing on interdisciplinary frameworks from circular economy theory, waste-to-resource models, and regional development planning, the study analyzes the feasibility of composting and anaerobic digestion as localized waste treatment technologies. It also examines governance challenges, infrastructure readiness, and community engagement in the region. The case of Payakumbuh, where agricultural productivity and urban waste generation are closely intertwined, illustrates both the opportunities and constraints of implementing circular economy strategies in smaller Indonesian urban centers. By conceptualizing a closed-loop system tailored to the socio-economic characteristics of Payakumbuh, this research provides a foundation for future empirical studies and policy interventions aimed at sustainable resource management and low-carbon regional transformation.

  • The Political Dimension of Prophethood on Civilizing the Moral Ethics, Justice, and Class Reform

    » Perwakilan: Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks

    This paper highlights the political dimension of Muhammad’s Prophethood as a comprehensive civilizational project aimed at improving moral ethics, justice, and class reform in the framework of society leadership and governance. Using a conceptual–narrative approach that draws from classical Islamic historiography (Sirah Nabawiyah) and modern interpretive context, the study situates the Prophet’s mission as both a spiritual awakening and a political transformation grounded in tauhid (divine unity). The research argues that the Prophet redefined politics as an ethical mission, transforming it from an arena of domination into a means of cultivating justice and moral consciousness. The Meccan phase illustrates moral resistance and class awakening, where faith became a force of ethical protest against social oppression. The Hijrah to Medina marked a transition from moral resistance to institutional civilization, establishing the Charter of Medina as one of the earliest constitutional models of pluralistic justice. Within the Madinan foundation, the Prophet institutionalized justice, social economy instruments of moral ethics governance, creating a balance between spirituality, law, and civic duty. The study concludes that Prophet Muhammad’s leadership civilized politics by linking power to moral purpose and embedding ethics in governance, economy, and society. His vision of a madani (civilized) community presents an enduring model of ethical statecraft where human dignity, equality, and compassion guide public order. This synthesis of faith and justice demonstrates that the foundation of Islamic civilization is moral ethics based, not material, anchored in the pursuit of righteousness, social welfare, and universal peace.

  • Online Learning and Open Education: Transforming Beyond Digitalization

    » Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives

    The global shift toward digital transformation has significantly accelerated the adoption of online learning and open education models. However, in an increasingly complex and fast-changing world (VUCA), digitalization alone is no longer sufficient as an objective. This article aims to explore how online learning and open education can evolve beyond digitalization by aligning with broader global challenges, trends, and emerging societal needs. Using a conceptual and literature-based approach, the paper examines how open education contributes to contemporary issues such as technological advancement, sustainability, regional development, inclusiveness, and public participation. In this context, open education is not merely defined by free access to digital platforms but rather as a paradigm shift toward collaboration, open knowledge, and democratized learning. Education is increasingly understood as a participatory and sustainable ecosystem, rather than a one-directional process. This study emphasizes that building an inclusive, adaptive, and future-relevant education system requires the integration of policy innovation, technological advancement, and values of openness. The article provides practical policy insights, implications, and strategic recommendations for transitioning from simple digital educational access to a development and transformation strategy, particularly in developing countries where educational inequality and sustainability gaps remain key concerns.

  • Digital Learning Co-Creation: A Conceptual Study between University and Learning Hub in Underdeveloped Urban Areas

    » Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives

    This article presents a conceptual co-creation model of digital learning between universities and learning hubs in organizing online lectures as a strategy to increase literacy access in underdeveloped urban areas. The background of this study comes from initial observations conducted at Darulfunun Payakumbuh, a community-based institution that has facilitated students from various universities to take online lectures with the support of study rooms, connectivity, and mentoring. In the context of limited infrastructure and learning facilities at home, a collaboration between higher education institutions and digital learning centers such as Darulfunun is a potential solution to overcome the gap in access to education. This study uses a conceptual approach by combining the principles of co-creation (co-initiation, co-design, co-delivery, co-reflection) and the Customer Satisfaction framework, especially the expectation-perception-reaction model towards digital learning services. The discussion is directed at the design of shared facilities, adaptive collaboration mechanisms, and measuring student satisfaction with the quality and access to online lecture services. This study produces a conceptual model that can be used as a reference for further research and development of community-based higher education policies, with implications for increasing digital literacy and equality of access to higher education in marginalized areas.

  • Influence of Metal Dopant (Cu, Co, Sm, Sn) on Ni/ScSZ Thin Film Anode in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

    » Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives

    Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are highly efficient electrochemical conversion devices that generates electrical energy through electrochemical reaction of gaseous fuel. Doping on the SOFC anode catalyst has the potential to increase the performance and tolerance of SOFC towards hydrocarbon fuel. An understanding of the doping effect of different type of catalyst on the SOFC anode is essential due to the differences in the characteristics of the catalysts and the impact on the existing anode catalyst microstructure with the dopant addition. This study is aimed to identify the effect of metal catalysts doping on the microstructure and electrochemical performance of Ni/ScSZ thin composite anodes on the SOFC electrolyte supported cell with surface infiltration method. The impact on the anode catalyst’s microstructure, distribution of element and elemental analysis was carried out using SEM-EDX and XRD analysis. The electrochemical performance of the cells were evaluated by the maximum power density and open-circuit-voltage (OCV) from the current-voltage (iV) measurement in hydrogen and in biogas. The results of this study found that the presence of dopant introduction of 5wt% dopant/Ni can be detected by EDX, but not with lower concentration. For Sn, Sm and Cu doped cells, the XRD analysis detected Ni3Sn, Ni2Sm and Cu0.81Ni0.19 alloy formed, respectively. Doping by 0.5 wt% of Sn/Ni and 5wt% of Sm/Ni  improved the electrochemical performance in hydrogen by three-fold and two-fold (184mW/cm2 and 100mW/cm2, respectively) compared to 49 mW/cm2 in the undoped cell. Addition of Cu showed the best tolerance with biogas operation. Co addition on the other hand posed a negative impact and the microstructure of the anode become overly dense. This work observed different impact dopant by various dopant on the cell’s porosity which influenced the electrochemical reaction. As the result with biogas deviates from previous investigation with anode supported cell, it can be concluded that for electrolyte supported cell with thin anode which have limited catalytic area as the reforming reaction reaction compete with the triple phase boundary area for  electrochemical reaction.

  • Re-Viewing Sumitro’s Policy and Industrial Maturity: Powering Downstream and Manufacturing Industries for Economic Growth and Sustainable Society

    » Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives

    During the 1950s, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo contributed in a significant manner to the construction of the economy of Indonesia, along with other figures, namely Mohammad Hatta, Sjafruddin Prawiranegara, and Djuanda Kartawidjaja. During this period, Sumitro promoted policies to drive industrialization in Indonesia and self-reliance to transform Indonesia from a colonial economy into a developing nation. Soemitro Djojohadikusumo’s economic policies were pivotal in shaping Indonesia’s post-colonial economy; focusing on production and industrial sovereignty, he emphasized reducing dependency on imports by fostering domestic industries, especially strategic sectors like heavy industry and natural resource processing, which he saw as crucial to national sovereignty. Soemitro also promoted stimulating economic activities through both public investment and private sector engagement, aiming to diversify the economy and drive sustained growth. Many of the challenges Soemitro addressed, such as infrastructural gaps and weak technological readiness, which remain relevant today. This research analyzes to what extent the economic policy shaped by Sumitro impacts Indonesia’s development. This analysis has significance in understanding Indonesia’s contemporary economic planning and trends, particularly in terms of economic policy shaped by the newly elected President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto. Analysis of Sumitro’s policy is conducted through the lenses of the industrial maturity concept, which is relevant to growth theory, resource-based view, and development economics. Indonesia’s pursuit of industrial maturity is crucial for transforming its raw resource-based economy into one that competes globally by adding value to domestic production. The need to revitalize manufacturing and strengthen downstream industries is critical for boosting competitiveness and integrating circular economic principles that emphasize sustainability. Soemitro’s vision of empowering society aligns with modern approaches to creating a more inclusive economy. However, infrastructure bottlenecks, a lagging education system, and regulatory complexities continue to slow the progress. Addressing supply chain challenges through regional industrial clustering and focusing on efficiency will be vital for overcoming these barriers. Further empirical research is needed to explore how infrastructure, education reform, and regulatory simplification can enhance Indonesia’s industrial maturity and sustainable economic development.

  • Islamic Worldview and Muhammadiyah’s Moderate Approach: From the Dynamics of the School of Religion and the Progress of Manhaj

    » Perwakilan: Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks

    This article discusses the Islamic worldview and Muhammadiyah’s moderation approach by highlighting the dynamics of mazhab and the progress of manhaj in Muhammadiyah Islamic thought. The discussion begins with an exploration of Muhammadiyah’s religious insight which is rooted in the principles of tauhid, ijtihad, and tajdid. Furthermore, the development of Islamic thought in Muhammadiyah is studied through a scientific and contextual approach to understanding texts and social realities. Muhammadiyah’s Manhaj Tarjih becomes the methodological basis for making moderate religious decisions oriented towards people’s benefit. Finally, the concept of progressive moderation is associated with the development of an Islamic worldview that is balanced between spirituality and modernity. Through this approach, Muhammadiyah not only maintains the purity of Islamic teachings but also contributes to building an inclusive and progressive civilization. This article emphasizes that Muhammadiyah’s progressive moderation attitude is relevant in facing contemporary challenges.

  • Waqf Business Model (WBM): Towards A Sustainable Social Business Model on The Mainstream Economics

    » Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives

    The Waqf Business Model (WBM) represents an innovative and transformative approach to establishing a sustainable social business model within mainstream economics, rooted in Islamic economic principles. This paper explores the current state of waqf as an alternative model for social business, emphasizing its ability to combine social impact with long-term economic sustainability by preserving assets and generating ongoing revenue. It also advocates for integrating WBM into the mainstream economy to serve as a powerful mechanism for addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper highlights the challenges faced by traditional Islamic economic institutions, particularly waqf, which have struggled due to outdated management practices and a conceptual crisis regarding the role of waqf in modern economies. Revitalizing waqf institutions requires enhancing their capabilities and aligning them with contemporary business strategies. Additionally, this paper encourages future research to explore how WBM can be fully integrated into the existing economic ecosystem. In theory, WBM provides a framework for ethical and inclusive economies, while in practice, it has the potential to create self-sustaining institutions that reduce reliance on external aid, offering an innovative solution to global socio-economic challenges by blending sustainable innovation.