Over the last year, Indonesia's Islamic banking assets have grown by 50% to US$17 billion, and are expected to continue on an upward trajectory as the Indonesian government and financial institutions show more support towards this booming sector. The republic has in recent years, proven to be a strong contender against established Islamic finance jurisdictions such as Malaysia and Bahrain, showing positive signs in Islamic retail banking, Sukuk, project and infrastructure finance, Takaful and Islamic microfinance. The number of banks and financial institutions offering Islamic banking services and products has also increased, while foreign investors are beginning to flock in, realizing the growth potential of its Islamic capital markets. The recent establishment of the republic's financial services authority, Otoritas Jasa Keuangan, is also expected to create a more regulated and transparent environment for the Indonesian Islamic capital market, and boost the volume of corporate Sukuk issuances in the country. We like this market and believe it has enormous potential.

An Introduction

Over the last year, Indonesia's Islamic banking assets have grown by 50% to US$17 billion, and is expected to continue on an upward trajectory as the Indonesian government and financial institutions show more support towards this booming sector. The republic, which was previously dubbed a sleeping giant, has in recent years proven a strong contender against established Islamic finance jurisdictions such as Malaysia and Bahrain, showing positive signs in Islamic retail banking, Sukuk, project and infrastructure finance, Takaful and Islamic microfinance.

The number of banks and financial institutions offering Islamic banking services and products has also increased, while foreign investors are beginning to flock into the Indonesian market, realizing the growth potential of its Islamic capital markets. The recent establishment of the republic's financial services authority, Otoritas Jasa Keuangan, is also expected to create a more regulated and transparent environment for the Indonesian Islamic capital market, and boost the volume of corporate Sukuk issuances in the country.

The growth potential for Indonesia's Islamic finance industry is enormous, and coupled with a steadily growing economy, financial reforms and stricter anti-corruption laws, the republic is set to stake its claim as a financial powerhouse in Asia. With support from the Indonesian government, financial regulators and the central bank, Indonesia is poised to become the next hub for Islamic finance in Asia and on a global scale.

The 2013 IFN Indonesia Issuers & Investors Forum will take you around the republic and explore the growth opportunities for Islamic finance, the potential Islamic finance has in the raring Indonesian economy, as well as tax and regulatory developments needed to further boost the country's Islamic capital markets.

Through a series of exclusive regulatory country presentations, practitioner-led round-table discussions, non-debatable power presentations, original case studies and sector focused side sessions, the IFN Indonesia Forum in 2013 will again be the key, must-attend industry event for issuers, investors, regulators and all financial intermediaries involved in the Islamic financial markets with the slightest interest in the Indonesian markets.

With the proper implementation of regulations, education and understanding of Islamic financial products, and the provision of sufficient infrastructure, Indonesia is set to become a major player in the field of Islamic finance.