Digital Pathways to Inclusive Development: Islamic Economic Perspectives on Structural and Epistemic Justice in Indonesia Anindya Aryu Inayati1, Andhita Risko Faristiana2, Agung Barok Pratama3
1UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan
2UIN Kiai Ageng Muhammad Besari Ponorogo
3UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan
Abstract
This study critically examines Indonesia^s socio-economic system through the lens of structural and epistemic injustice, highlighting the role of digital transformation as a pathway to inclusive development within the framework of the Islamic economic paradigm. Despite constitutional, ideological, and religious commitments to social justice, persistent inequalities remain in the distribution of resources, representation, and participation. Structural injustice is evident in policy frameworks that disproportionately benefit economic elites while marginalizing informal sectors, rural communities, and small-scale producers. Within the Islamic economic framework, these imbalances contradict core principles such as adl (justice), maslahah (public welfare), ta^awun (mutual cooperation), and the prohibition of exploitation and monopolization. Using a qualitative-descriptive method, this research analyzes secondary data, policy documents, and critical literature to explore how power relations, institutional biases, and digital innovations interact in shaping inclusive development outcomes. Epistemic injustice emerges in the systemic neglect of the knowledge, voices, and lived experiences of marginalized groups-such as indigenous peoples, women, and the urban poor-in both policy-making and public discourse. In the digital era, these injustices can either be perpetuated or reduced, depending on how technology is integrated into economic governance. Digital platforms for zakat distribution, waqf management, halal e-commerce, and inclusive fintech offer opportunities to address economic exclusion while amplifying marginalized voices in decision-making processes. The findings suggest that realizing inclusive development in Indonesia requires not only equitable economic redistribution-as emphasized in Islamic economic instruments-but also the digitally-enabled democratization of knowledge and public space, ensuring that diverse voices are acknowledged, valued, and empowered in shaping the nation^s future.
