Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN/Bappenas) initiated the Zakat Waqf Impact Forum 2024 as an effort to expand the role of zakat and waqf in reinforcing development. This forum raises ideas regarding the utilization of Socio-Economic Registration (Regsosek).
“By utilizing Regsosek data, zakat and waqf programs can be more targeted and create synergy between the government and zakat amil institutions, and inter-zakat amil institutions in implementing poverty alleviation programs and economic empowerment of the people,” said Secretary of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Main Secretary of Bappenas Teni Widuriyanti in Bappenas Building, Jakarta (03/20).
Further, the Zakat Waqf Impact Forum is projected to become an annual agenda as a forum for exchanging ideas, thoughts, information, and experiences in implementing zakat and waqf programs. Teni added, “We hope that this event can continue to strengthen the commitment of stakeholders to encourage zakat and waqf activities to support national development.”
To reinforce these efforts, the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas together with the Ministry of Religion, the Indonesian Waqf Board, and the National Zakat Amil Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Program Synergy and Development Planning Database. Representatives of these Ministries and Institutions also signed the Zakat Waqf Impact Forum Collaboration Commitment Charter between the government and zakat amil institutions, as well as inter-zakat amil institutions in implementing poverty alleviation programs and economic empowerment of the people.
Meanwhile, the Deputy for Human Development, Society and Culture of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas Amich Alhumami explained that zakat and waqf have great potential to support national development. Amich said, “Zakat and waqf have strategic value in reducing poverty, ignorance, and inequality. Zakat has enormous potential, reaching Rp250.4 trillion per year. However, this potential has not been explored optimally, resulting in zakat collected only Rp22.5 trillion or 8.9% of the general zakat potential.”
