The Need for Mediation in Islamic Banking

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 38 views

The Islamic banking industry in Indonesia has been growing rapidly in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for financial services that are compliant with Islamic principles. However, with the growth of this industry, disputes have also become more common, and the need for effective dispute resolution mechanisms has become more pressing. Mediation has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional litigation, offering a faster, cheaper, and more efficient way to resolve disputes in the Islamic banking sector.

The Need for Mediation in Islamic Banking

In Indonesia, the regulation of Islamic banking is still in its infancy. The Law No. 7 of 1992 concerning Banking only mentions Islamic banks as "banks that are principled for profit sharing", without providing clear guidelines on how they should operate. This lack of clarity has led to confusion and disputes between Islamic banks and their customers. Mediation can help to resolve these disputes in a fair and efficient manner, by providing a platform for dialogue and deliberation between the parties involved.

The Benefits of Mediation

Mediation offers several benefits in the context of Islamic banking disputes. Firstly, it is a faster and more efficient way to resolve disputes, compared to traditional litigation. This is because mediation is a more flexible and informal process, which can be conducted in a shorter period of time. Secondly, mediation is a cheaper way to resolve disputes, as it does not involve the costs associated with traditional litigation, such as court fees and lawyer's fees. Finally, mediation is a more effective way to resolve disputes, as it allows the parties involved to reach a mutually acceptable solution, which can be more sustainable in the long term.

The Mediation Mechanism

The mediation process in Islamic banking consists of several steps. Firstly, the mediation process begins with identifying the problems encountered. This involves a thorough analysis of the dispute, to determine the root cause of the problem. Secondly, the existing problems are formulated and the agenda is determined. This involves the identification of the key issues in dispute, and the determination of the goals and objectives of the mediation process. Thirdly, the hidden interests of each party are expressed, which often becomes the root of the problem. This involves a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of each party, and the identification of any underlying interests or motivations. Finally, the choices of settlement are arranged and analyzed, until they reach the final bargaining process. This involves the negotiation of a mutually acceptable solution, which can be implemented by the parties involved.

The Principles of Mediation

In its implementation, mediation puts forward the five main principles, namely:

Confidentiality: Information revealed during mediation should not be disseminated.
Voluntary: All parties are involved in the mediation process voluntarily and there is no coercion.
Empowerment: The parties involved are empowered to find the appropriate solution.
Neutrality: Mediator must be neutral and not side with one party.
Independence: Mediator must be independent and not have any conflict of interest.

Challenges in Mediation Implementation

Despite having great potential, the implementation of mediation in the resolution of Islamic banking disputes is faced with various challenges. One of the main problems is the lack of mediation culture in the community, including among customers and banks themselves. Many customers do not understand their position appropriately in the dispute faced. In addition, administrative problems also arise, such as lack of complete documents and difficulties for Bank Indonesia to contact relevant bank officials. Sometimes the bank's messengers present do not have the authority to make decisions, which can slow down the mediation process.

Conclusion

Mediation is an alternative to effective dispute resolution in the context of Islamic banking, in line with the principle of fast justice and low costs. Although there are challenges that must be overcome, strengthening understanding of mediation and the application of existing principles can increase the efficiency of dispute resolution in the banking sector. The involvement of all parties, including customers, institutions, and regulators, is very necessary to encourage mediation culture as a step to resolve a more friendly dispute. Thus, the hope to resolve disputes more quickly and effectively in the Islamic banking sector can be realized.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis of the mediation mechanism and the challenges faced in its implementation, the following recommendations are made:

Strengthening the mediation culture: The mediation culture should be strengthened among customers and banks themselves, through education and awareness programs.
Improving the administrative process: The administrative process should be improved, to ensure that all necessary documents are complete and that Bank Indonesia can contact relevant bank officials easily.
Empowering the mediator: The mediator should be empowered to make decisions and to take charge of the mediation process.
Increasing the independence of the mediator: The mediator should be independent and not have any conflict of interest.
Encouraging the use of mediation: The use of mediation should be encouraged, through the provision of incentives and the promotion of its benefits.

By implementing these recommendations, the efficiency of dispute resolution in the Islamic banking sector can be increased, and the hope to resolve disputes more quickly and effectively can be realized.

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of mediation in resolving disputes in the Islamic banking sector. In this article, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions about mediation in Sharia banking disputes.

Q: What is mediation in Sharia banking disputes?

A: Mediation is a process where a neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps the parties involved in a dispute to reach a mutually acceptable solution. In the context of Sharia banking disputes, mediation is a way to resolve disputes in a fair and efficient manner, without resorting to traditional litigation.

Q: What are the benefits of mediation in Sharia banking disputes?

A: The benefits of mediation in Sharia banking disputes include:

Faster resolution of disputes
Lower costs compared to traditional litigation
More effective resolution of disputes, as parties can reach a mutually acceptable solution
Preservation of relationships between parties
Increased efficiency in dispute resolution

Q: What are the steps involved in the mediation process?

A: The steps involved in the mediation process are:

Identifying the problems: The mediator helps the parties to identify the root cause of the problem.
Formulating the agenda: The mediator helps the parties to determine the key issues in dispute and the goals and objectives of the mediation process.
Expressing hidden interests: The mediator helps the parties to express their hidden interests and needs.
Arranging and analyzing settlement choices: The mediator helps the parties to identify and analyze the settlement choices available to them.
Final bargaining: The mediator helps the parties to negotiate a mutually acceptable solution.

Q: What are the principles of mediation in Sharia banking disputes?

A: The principles of mediation in Sharia banking disputes are:

Confidentiality: Information revealed during mediation should not be disseminated.
Voluntary: All parties are involved in the mediation process voluntarily and there is no coercion.
Empowerment: The parties involved are empowered to find the appropriate solution.
Neutrality: The mediator must be neutral and not side with one party.
Independence: The mediator must be independent and not have any conflict of interest.

Q: What are the challenges faced in implementing mediation in Sharia banking disputes?

A: The challenges faced in implementing mediation in Sharia banking disputes include:

Lack of mediation culture in the community
Administrative problems, such as lack of complete documents and difficulties in contacting relevant bank officials
Empowerment of the mediator
Independence of the mediator
Encouraging the use of mediation

Q: How can mediation be encouraged in Sharia banking disputes?

A: Mediation can be encouraged in Sharia banking disputes by:

Strengthening the mediation culture among customers and banks
Improving the administrative process
Empowering the mediator
Increasing the independence of the mediator
Providing incentives for the use of mediation

Q: What is the role of the mediator in Sharia banking disputes?

A: The mediator plays a crucial role in Sharia banking disputes by:

Helping the parties to identify the root cause of the problem
Formulating the agenda and determining the key issues in dispute
Expressing hidden interests and needs
Arranging and analyzing settlement choices
Negotiating a mutually acceptable solution

Q: What are the benefits of using a mediator in Sharia banking disputes?

A: The benefits of using a mediator in Sharia banking disputes include:

Faster resolution of disputes
Lower costs compared to traditional litigation
More effective resolution of disputes, as parties can reach a mutually acceptable solution
Preservation of relationships between parties
Increased efficiency in dispute resolution

Q: Can mediation be used in all types of Sharia banking disputes?

A: Mediation can be used in most types of Sharia banking disputes, but it may not be suitable for all types of disputes. The suitability of mediation depends on the nature of the dispute and the parties involved.

Q: How can the effectiveness of mediation in Sharia banking disputes be measured?

A: The effectiveness of mediation in Sharia banking disputes can be measured by:

The speed of resolution of disputes
The cost of resolution of disputes
The satisfaction of the parties with the outcome of the mediation process
The preservation of relationships between parties
The increased efficiency in dispute resolution

By understanding the principles and benefits of mediation in Sharia banking disputes, parties can make informed decisions about whether to use mediation to resolve their disputes.