Unpacking the Role of Sharia Supervisory Boards and Islamic Political Connection in Driving Sustainability

Abstract

This study empirically analyzes the influence of experience and education level of the Sharia Supervisory Board (SSB) on sustainability performance (SP), as well as the SSB's Islamic political connections (IPC) in moderating the influence of experience and education on SP in Islamic financial companies (IFCs). This study uses quantitative methods with the OLS regression technique supported by Minitab statistical applications. SP is measured using sustainability awards, and dummy variables measure SSBIPC. The results indicate that there is no influence of education level and length of SSB experience on supporting SP in IFCs. Islamic political connections are also unable to moderate the influence of experience and education of the SSB on SP. The experience, education, and Islamic political connections of the SSB are not always properly integrated into the practice of SP in Islamic governance. The practical implications suggest that IFCs should consider not only the level of education and experience but also the diversity of expertise, including in the ESG field, when selecting SSBs. The OJK needs to improve regulations regarding the requirements for becoming an SSB, so that they focus not only on education level and experience but also on the diversity of SSB expertise. This study contributes to the concept of maqashid Sharia, which the SSB should more practically implement. The originality of this research lies in the new measurements for sustainability performance variables by using the number of sustainability awards received by the company.