ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN OPTIMIZING THE MARON-MERTELU TRADITION: A SHARIA LAW PERSPECTIVE

The traditional economic practice of Maron-Mertelu in Serang Regency, Banten, aligns with Islamic economic contracts such as musyarakah and mudharabah. However, this system has not been fully integrated with Sharia Economic Law and faces sustainability challenges due to modernization and the absence of formal regulations. Therefore, this study raises three key questions: first, how does the Maron-Mertelu practice comply with Sharia Economic Law? Second, how does this system contribute to household welfare and poverty alleviation? Third, what strategies can be implemented to optimize this practice through AI-based Islamic financial systems? Using a qualitative approach, this study employed a SWOT analysis method to examine AI integration in traditional economic systems. The findings indicate that AI implementation in Maron-Mertelu can enhance transparency, efficiency, and compliance with Sharia principles while addressing institutional and regulatory challenges. The SWOT analysis reveals that despite the significant potential of AI-based system optimization, challenges such as limited digital literacy and cybersecurity risks must be addressed through strategic policies involving key stakeholders. Thus, this study underscores the importance of adopting technology that is value-driven and aligned with Islamic principles to ensure the sustainability of local economies and foster inclusive and sustainable Islamic economic growth.