From the Indramayu Campus to the National Stage: The Inspiring Story of the HES IAI Al-Azis Team Reaching the National Finals of the 2025 Sharia Financial Olympiad
By: Ali Aminulloh
(Lecturer at IAI Al-Azis)
Amidst the dominance of large universities such as Padjadjaran University and UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, a name from a regional campus suddenly stole the spotlight.
They are three Sharia Economic Law (HES) students from IAI Al-Azis, who, through hard work, prayer, and clever strategies, successfully reached the National Finals of the 2025 Indonesia Sharia Financial Olympiad (ISFO) — an achievement that not only makes the campus proud but also brings honor to West Java.
The Largest Sharia Literacy Stage in Indonesia
The 2025 Indonesia Sharia Financial Olympiad (ISFO), organized by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), is a prestigious platform for young people to hone their sharia financial literacy. With two main categories—Sharia Financial Quiz (CCKS) and Young Sharia Entrepreneur—this competition provides a platform for students to demonstrate their analytical skills, insight, and understanding of Sharia-based economics.
A Struggle from West Java: When Passion Defeats Fame
The IAI Al-Azis team’s long journey began in Region 2 of West Java, known as the most competitive region in Indonesia.
A total of 74 top teams from various state and private universities participated, divided into three regions: West Java, Cirebon, and Tasikmalaya.
Amidst the onslaught of big teams, IAI Al-Azis appeared confident with a solid formation:
Lulu Azkya Ramansyah (HES-7, from Garut)
Fitria Insani (HES-5, from Banjar)
Saskia Amanah (HES-5, from Jambi)
The three were directly mentored by Agus Rozak Syamsuddin, S.Ag., M.H., Head of the Sharia Economic Law Study Program.
The preliminary round on October 11, 2025, was a tense start. However, the results were surprising — the IAI Al-Azis team managed to reach third place and advance to the regional finals alongside five other top teams, including UIN Siber Cirebon.
West Java Regional Champion: Surpassing Academic Giants
The West Java Regional Finals, held on October 18, 2025, were an extraordinary opportunity. Of the 18 best teams, only three qualified to advance to the national level.
With a well-thought-out strategy and solid teamwork, the IAI Al-Azis team successfully answered various challenging questions surrounding sharia principles, contracts, financial products, and OJK regulations — and ultimately won first place in the West Java Regional Championship!
This victory felt heroic, as they outperformed the favorite teams from Padjadjaran University (UNPAD) and UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, which placed second and third, respectively.
These three teams officially represent West Java in the 2025 ISFO National Final.
Towards the National Final
After a fierce battle at the regional level, their journey continues to the 2025 ISFO National Final, which will be held online on October 25, 2025.
This round will bring together the 27 best teams from nine regions across Indonesia, each sending three top teams.
At this national stage, all participants will again be comprehensively tested — not only on the speed of their answers, but also on the accuracy of their logic and a deep understanding of Islamic finance concepts.
From this round, only the six best teams will be selected to advance to the ISFO 2025 Grand Final, which will be held on-site in Surabaya on November 4, 2025.
The Secret to Victory: Focus, Familiarity, and Flexibility
According to team mentor Agus Rozak Syamsuddin, this victory is both an extraordinary blessing and the result of measurable hard work.
“This is our first time participating in an event of this magnitude. The students prepared themselves very simply, but with focus and discipline,” he said.
Preparation included a rigorous internal selection process through the HES Student Association (HIMA HES), followed by five online drill sessions using Kahoot!, an application also frequently used in lectures.
This familiarity made them more adaptable, able to answer questions quickly and accurately.
The four main topics that form the pillars of their mastery are:
1. Principles and contracts in Islamic economics
2. Sharia financial products and institutions
3. Insight into the development of the Sharia financial industry
4. Financial Services Authority (OJK) regulations, financial management, and investment
Epilogue: Light from a Regional Campus
The story of the HES IAI Al-Azis team is not simply a story of victory, but proof that achievement is not determined by the size of the campus, but by the strength of determination and effort.
They come from the region, but their determination transcends geographical boundaries.
Now, their journey to the National Finals is a journey towards a new history. They not only carry the name of IAI Al-Azis, but also carry the spirit of all regional students who believe that knowledge and faith are a truly winning combination.
May this struggle inspire future generations Indonesian youth must continue to pursue knowledge, spread blessings, and boldly emerge as pioneers of the Islamic economy in the future.
“From a small campus, a great light was born that illuminates the future of the nation’s Islamic economy.”
Let’s support the IAI Al-Azis Team as they advance to the National Finals and reach the ISFO 2025 Grand Final in Surabaya.
The struggle has just begun — and they are writing history.**
Indramayu, October 19, 2025
—-
