Darulfunun Institute

Institute for Development, Research and Initiatives (IDRIS)

Category: Research Article

  • 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.

  • Administration and Religious Dilemma: Implementation of SPTJM in the Heart of Minangkabau (Case Study of Harau District)

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    Unregistered marriages (nikah siri) remain a significant social phenomenon in the Minangkabau community, particularly in Harau District, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra. To address administrative barriers for children from these marriages, the government implemented the Absolute Statement of Responsibility (SPTJM) policy based on Minister of Home Affairs Regulation Numbers 108 and 109 of 2019, which allows for the inclusion of “Unregistered Marriage” status on Family Cards (Kartu Keluarga) and the issuance of complete birth certificates. This study analyzes the effectiveness of SPTJM implementation in Harau District and the dilemmas it raises from a maqasid sharia perspective, focusing on hifz al-nasl (protection of offspring) and hifz al-mal (protection of property). Using a qualitative juridical-empirical approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with couples using SPTJMs, those involved in unregistered marriages, employees of the Civil Registration Office (Disdukcapil), the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA), the Religious Court, and religious leaders, complemented by source and method triangulation. The research results show that the SPTJM effectively provides beneficial benefits in the form of quick and affordable access to children’s administrative rights (identity, education, health, and social assistance), thus partially supporting hifz al-nasl. However, this policy creates more dominant long-term benefits, such as substantive legal uncertainty (difficulties in claiming inheritance and joint property), socio-customary conflicts (stigma and disputes over high inheritance rights in the Minangkabau matrilineal system), and a decline in interest in marriage confirmations, which weaken the obligation for official registration (Article 7 of the Compilation of Islamic Law). This article concludes that there is a dilemma between temporary administrative benefits and long-term damage to Islamic family law. The proposed recommendation is synergy between institutions (Disdukcapil, KUA, Religious Courts, and traditional leaders) through an affordable mass marriage confirmation program and outreach based on the maqasid sharia (Islamic principles) to maximize the necessities of life and minimize the mafsadah within the Minangkabau indigenous community.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • One Roof Integrated Six-Year Secondary High School in Indonesia: A Proposal for Efficiency and Quality Improvement

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

    Indonesia’s secondary education system is currently divided into two distinct stages: junior and senior high school. While this structure aligns with traditional education policy frameworks, it has shown inefficiency in addressing Indonesia’s education vision, geographic diversity, resource limitations, and quality disparities, particularly in rural and remote areas. This article proposes the integration into a unified six-year secondary school model as a solution to systemic inefficiencies and quality concerns. By analyzing educational statistics, policy documents, and international best practices, this paper outlines the potential of integrated secondary schools to reduce operational fragmentation, optimize teacher deployment, and strengthen curriculum continuity. Drawing from a qualitative document analysis approach, the article references data from the government records and relevant international practices from other countries. The articles also provide the case study made in Perguruan Darulfunun Payakumbuh. The discussion highlights how school mergers can maximize infrastructure utilization, reduce student retention, optimize teacher allocation, relieve costs, and enrich student learning. Key challenges identified include legal and administrative adjustments, resistance from local stakeholders, and the need for professional teacher realignment. This integrated model aligns with the national compulsory education mandate, ensuring a smoother transition between lower and upper secondary education. The article concludes by recommending phased policy reform and pilot programs to explore the feasibility and scalability in diverse regional contexts across Indonesia.

  • How Indonesia Should Go Further with Decentralization: Revisiting the Views and the Visions

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

    Indonesia’s vast geography and cultural diversity pose long-standing challenges to the centralized governance systems. Following the collapse of the New Order regime in 1998, the country embarked on an ambitious decentralization campaign, transferring authority and resources from the central government to local governments through Laws No. 22 and 25 of 1999. Despite the progress made, recent trends suggest a drift back toward recentralization and inefficiencies in subnational governance. This article investigates how Indonesia should move forward with a deeper and more coherent decentralization policy, drawing insights from the ideas of key early independence-era thinkers, as well as the reform era. Using a qualitative historical-interpretive approach, the study analyzes political writings, speeches, and conceptual contributions of late figures, framed alongside policy and governance developments in post-Reformasi Indonesia. The findings reveal that decentralization was not merely an administrative concern but a philosophical and moral imperative for these thinkers. Hatta promoted village autonomy; Sjahrir advocated democratic pluralism; Malaka emphasized grassroots empowerment, while the reformists underscored decentralization as a pillar of democratic resilience. The study concludes that Indonesia’s decentralization project must go beyond partial devolution. It should embody the ethical and participatory principles rooted in the country’s intellectual tradition that work towards strengthening local democracy, fiscal independence, regional capability, and innovation. Reviving these foundational visions is vital to ensuring that decentralization serves not just efficiency, but also the quality of justice, inclusivity, prosperity, and national diversity.                              

  • 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.

  • 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.