The Islamic Accounting Study Program, FEBI, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta conducted international service in Malaysia from October 27 to 30, 2023. This service consisted of presenting scientific work and providing financial planning training to Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia. The purpose of this service was to enhance the skills and education of Indonesian migrant workers in financial planning.

The lecturers of the Islamic Accounting study program developed modules and pocket books on financial planning, compiled by the Sharia Accounting study program’s team, FEBI, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. The presentation of this scientific work and the handover of the financial management pocket book module took place at the Muslimat NU community in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event was held at the Special Branch House of Muslimat NU, Malaysia, by Dra. Mimin Mintarsih. As the host, she also highlighted the significant need for financial planning among members of the Muslimat NU community, particularly in the areas of family financial planning and home-based businesses. “Some of the Muslimat NU housewives have businesses, but they often face challenges in managing them,” said Mrs. Mimin.

The Muslimat NU community also expressed concerns about financial management during the Q&A session. Some members admitted to having expertise in earning money but lacked the necessary skills to manage it effectively. Additionally, participants raised thought-provoking questions, such as, “How can we effectively manage our finances to escape debt? It seems that every time we receive money, it is immediately allocated to paying off debts,” said a participant from the Muslimat NU community.

The subsequent service was held at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and was attended by Indonesian migrant workers who were also students at the Open University (UT).

The participants, totaling 30, were migrant workers residing in Johor Bahru. Consul General Sigit Suryanto Widiyanto, the representative of the Consulate General, expressed his gratitude for the visit of the Islamic Accounting FEBI UIN SUKA team to conduct the service activities at the Consulate General’s office. He emphasized the importance of organizing similar activities in the future to impart knowledge and experience to Indonesian migrant workers. Furthermore, he expressed his hope for continued cooperation beyond the current event.

The community service included a presentation on financial planning, delivered by the lecturers from the Islamic Accounting FEBI UIN SUKA, followed by a practical financial planning training session utilizing the Fast Budget application, available for free download from the Play Store or App Store. Subsequent to these sessions, a Q&A session took place. During this session, a participant posed an intriguing question, asking, “What are the most effective ways to save money and invest it efficiently? I often find myself unsure about how to allocate my funds when I have them.”

The community service and training program carried out by the Islamic Accounting Study Program FEBI UIN SUKA team in Malaysia proceeded smoothly, despite encountering several challenges. Numerous participants voiced their eagerness for the program to persist, particularly with regards to investment opportunities.
Author: Egha Ezar Junaeka Putra H.