This research on the drivers of Islamic banking adoption in Indonesia makes a direct contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. A key target of SDG 8 is to promote universal access to banking and financial services for all. The study’s findings reveal that convenience and positive attitudesânot just religious complianceâare the primary drivers of adoption. This provides a critical roadmap for Islamic banks to design more accessible, user-friendly, and competitive digital and branch services. By prioritizing operational excellence and customer experience, Islamic banks can attract a broader customer base, including the unbanked and underbanked populations, thereby accelerating financial inclusion and integrating more people into the formal economy.
Furthermore, by demonstrating how Islamic banking can compete effectively in the modern financial landscape, this research supports the “sustainable” aspect of economic growth. Islamic finance, with its inherent principles of risk-sharing, ethical investments, and the prohibition of speculative activities, naturally aligns with sustainable development. By identifying the levers to scale its adoption, this study helps unlock a powerful channel for directing capital towards productive, real-economy investments and socially responsible projects. Consequently, fostering a robust Islamic banking sector not only promotes financial inclusion but also helps build a more resilient and ethically-grounded financial system, which is a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth as envisioned by the SDGs. [Red. Al Tamimi]