Jurnal REKSA: Rekayasa Keuangan, Syariah dan Audit

Capital Structure and Sustainability Performance: Leverage Modification through Equity Disaggregation

Arisyahidin Arisyahidin, Marhaendra Kusuma, Abdul Hadi Bin Ahamad, Mariano Nunes — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the impact of capital structure on sustainability performance, with operating performance and earnings management acting as moderating variables. Capital structure is measured using the debt-to-equity ratio, considering total equity and equity attributable to each owner. The analysis is based on financial statement data and ESG scores from 921 companies across 11 Asian countries, covering 2,763 firm-year observations between 2020 and 2024. Moderated regression analysis was applied to test the hypotheses. The findings show that capital structure positively affects sustainability performance, with operating performance strengthening this relationship and earnings management weakening it. These patterns remain consistent during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and are confirmed when alternative measures are used. The theoretical implications highlight the importance of equity disaggregation, supporting the presentation of attributable equity in leverage calculations when assessing its effect on sustainability performance, alongside the moderating roles of operating performance and earnings management. The originality of this research lies in modifying the leverage calculation by disaggregating equity according to the attributable equity policy and examining its influence on sustainability performance, while also testing the moderating effects of operating performance and earnings management.

Integration of Fintech and CSR in Improving Financial Stability of Islamic Banks

Nazil Rizki Laila, Sari Rahmadhani — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the relationship between financial technology (Fintech), corporate social responsibility (CSR), and bank financial stability (BFS) in Islamic banks in Indonesia, with a particular focus on the role of fintech as a mediator. Using a quantitative approach, this study utilises secondary data from the annual and sustainability reports of Islamic banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for 2021-2023. Data were analysed using the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) method. The results of the study show, first, that CSR has a significant direct effect on BFS and an indirect effect through fintech. Second, although the relationship between CSR and fintech is negative, fintech plays a crucial role in enhancing the financial stability of Islamic banks. Third, it was revealed that BFS does not significantly influence fintech, and although BFS does influence CSR, the mediating role in this relationship has not been proven. These findings emphasise the importance of an integrative and prudent approach in the adoption of fintech by Islamic banks. Although fintech can enhance stability, banks must continue to uphold their CSR commitments to prevent a decline in social initiatives, which could damage their long-term legitimacy and reputation. This research offers new insights into the complex interplay between social responsibility and technological innovation in Indonesia's distinct context of Islamic banking.

Islamic Bank Financing, Green Sukuk, and the Jakarta Islamic Index: An ARDL Analysis of Indonesia’s Real Sector

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the effects of Islamic Bank Financing (IBF), Green Sukuk (GS), the Jakarta Islamic Index (JII), inflation (CPI), exchange rate fluctuations (EXR), and money supply (M2) on Indonesia’s real sector using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The findings reveal that IBF stimulates the real sector in the short run, but structural challenges and limited market penetration constrain its long-term influence. Conversely, GS exerts a significant positive impact over the long term, underscoring the importance of sustainable investments in enhancing productive capacity and generating employment. Although JII shows no significant short-term effect, it contributes meaningfully in the long run. CPI consistently exerts a negative influence on the real sector in both horizons, while exchange rate appreciation and M2 growth support economic activity. These results highlight the need for coordinated policy measures to foster inclusive, stable, and sustainable development in Indonesia’s real economy.

Corporate Governance and Tax Avoidance in SRI-KEHATI Firms: The Mediating Role of Financial Performance

Moh. Halim, Rendy Mirwan Aspirandi, Riyanto Setiawan Suharsono, Ari Sita Nastiti — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to examine the role of financial performance in mediating the effect of the proportion of independent commissioners and Big Four auditors on tax avoidance in SRI-KEHATI index companies. Secondary data collected from 25 companies, for the period of 2020 to 2024, were analyzed using SEM PLS to test seven research hypotheses. Results show that the proportion of independent commissioners and the Big Four public accounting firms have a significant positive effect on financial performance and a negative effect on tax avoidance, both directly and indirectly through financial performance. The findings support agency theory, signaling theory, and stakeholder theory, and provide policy implications for regulators and companies in strengthening tax governance and compliance. The novelty of this research lies not only in the use of financial performance as a mediating variable, but more importantly in highlighting the paradox that sustainability-labelled firms (SRI-KEHATI), which are expected to uphold transparency, responsibility, and good governance, may still engage in tax avoidance practices. This study thus provides new insights into the gap between sustainability image and fiscal behaviour, and the role of governance mechanisms in bridging that gap.

Financial Literacy, Financial Parenting, and Riba Awareness: Drivers of BNPL Use Among Muslim Youth

Dewi Khornida Marheni, Riski Widiyanti, Hery Haryanto, Roque B. Cruz II — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the effect of financial literacy, financial parenting, and knowledge about riba on Muslim consumer behavior using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services, with financial self-efficacy and perceived risk of usury as mediators. Through a mixed approach (quantitative on 402 Muslim respondents of generation Y and Z with formal Islamic education and qualitative through interviews with six informants), this study found that financial literacy does not directly affect the use of BNPL. However, financial parenting significantly increases financial self-efficacy, which drives using BNPL. In addition, understanding riba increases the perception of usury risk, ultimately reducing the intention to use BNPL. The implications of this study highlight the importance of financial education in the family and understanding of Islamic values in shaping responsible consumer behavior, as well as its relevance for Islamic financial policy and education.

Audit Interpretation of Presidential and Vice-Presidential Campaign Finance Reports

Muhammad Arsyad, Sukriah Natsir, Zoel Dirga Dinhi — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study critically examines the implementation and interpretation of campaign finance audits in Indonesia’s 2024 presidential and vice-presidential elections. The evaluation is grounded in KPU Regulation No. 18 of 2023 and Assurance Engagement Standard SPA 3000 (Revised 2022) to assess compliance, ensure audit rigor, and enhance public assurance outcomes. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, the study integrates document analysis, normative review, and comparative evaluation, drawing on audit reports, civil society findings, and international benchmarks. The findings reveal that although all candidate pairs received “Compliant Opinions,” significant deficiencies persist in audit planning, materiality assessment, and evidence collection. Public accounting firms demonstrated limited professional skepticism regarding unreported digital advertising expenditures. These gaps undermine the credibility and transparency expected of campaign audits and diminish their assurance value. Applying credibility theory, this study finds that current audit practices comply with formal regulations but fail to provide substantive public assurance. Limited public access to audit reports weakens democratic accountability, while comparative insights from U.S. practices highlight the need for digital verification, extended timelines, and full disclosure. The study contributes theoretically by extending credibility theory to political finance auditing and practically by offering policy recommendations to strengthen electoral audit credibility in emerging democracies.

Military Backgrounds in Shaping Earnings Management: Insights from the Board of Commissioners and Directors

Agung Irianto, Estetika Mutiaranisa Kurniawati — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to determine the effect of the military background of the board of commissioners and directors on earnings management practices in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from 2021 to 2023. The research uses a quantitative approach, utilizing secondary data obtained from annual reports published on the Indonesia Stock Exchange and on the official websites of each company. Using panel data regression analysis, the findings indicate that companies with a board of commissioners and a military background negatively affect earnings management. Meanwhile, directors with military experience do not affect earnings management. This study utilizes the military background variable of the company's top management, which is still rarely used in earnings management research, particularly in Indonesia. This research contributes as a guideline for company stakeholders, especially investors, regarding the potential risks and benefits associated with earnings management in companies with a board of commissioners and directors with military backgrounds.

Financial Determinants of Tax Avoidance: Empirical Study of Islamic Banks in Asia and COVID-19 Review

Selfira Salsabilla, Muamar Nur Kholid — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the effects of profitability, firm size, leverage, and financial constraints on tax avoidance in Islamic banks across Asia. The research model was tested both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, using data obtained from the Osiris database. The sample consisted of 22 Islamic banks in Asia that had complete data and reported profits during the observation period from 2016 to 2023. The data were analyzed using balanced panel data regression with the assistance of EViews software. Tax avoidance was measured using both the Effective Tax Rate (ETR) and Book–Tax Differences (BTD). The results indicate that profitability has a significant positive effect on tax avoidance. Firm size demonstrates a significant negative effect on tax avoidance during the COVID-19 period. Leverage consistently shows a significant negative effect on tax avoidance, both before and during the pandemic. Financial constraints exhibit a significant positive effect only during the pandemic. The study offers several implications: (1) Islamic bank management should balance capital structure to avoid overreliance on leverage; (2) highly profitable banks are encouraged to maintain their reputation and public trust by ensuring tax compliance; and (3) regulators need to strengthen oversight, particularly in unstable economic environments.