SANTRI EN – The potential for Indonesia’s Waqf in Early 2024 is predicted to reach Rp 180 trillion, indicating a significant opportunity to improve community welfare. This was conveyed by the Minister of Religion, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, at the 2024 Gebyar Wakaf Ramadan event in Jakarta.
“The potential for waqf in Indonesia is enormous. If managed properly, waqf can be a solution to overcoming various social and economic problems in society,” said Minister Yaqut.
The government, through the Indonesian Waqf Board (BWI), focuses on developing productive waqf. Productive waqf is waqf where the nadzir (waqf manager) is utilized to generate profits which are then used to finance various community empowerment programs.
“Productive waqf can help improve people’s standard of living, such as in the fields of education, health, and economy,” said Minister Yaqut.
BWI has played an active role in developing productive waqf in Indonesia. One example is through the Cash Waqf program that BWI launched a few years ago. The program has successfully collected a significant amount of waqf funds and used them for various community empowerment programs.
On this occasion, Minister Yaqut also presented awards to waqf administrators and waqf institutions that have excelled in managing waqf.
The awards are expected to motivate other waqf administrators and institutions to continue improving their performance and services.
BWI Chairman, Prof. KH. Muhammad Amin Suma, Lc., MA., Ph.D., said that BWI is committed to continuing to develop productive waqf in Indonesia.
BWI will continue to carry out various programs and activities to improve waqf literacy in society and encourage public participation in waqf.
“We hope that with the increasing development of productive waqf, more and more people will feel the benefits,” said Prof. Amin.
The 2024 Gebyar Wakaf Ramadan is an annual event organized by BWI to celebrate the month of Ramadan. The event is filled with various activities, such as seminars, talkshows, and waqf exhibitions.
Development of Indonesia’s Waqf in Early 2024
The potential for waqf in Indonesia continues to increase every year. In 2023, the waqf potential in Indonesia is estimated to reach Rp 170 trillion. Of this amount, only around Rp 500 billion has been realized.
The government continues to encourage the development of productive waqf through various policies and programs. One example is by issuing Law Number 41 of 2004 concerning Waqf.
In addition, the government also provides financial assistance to BWI to develop productive waqf. In 2023, the government allocated Rp 100 billion for BWI.
Benefits of Productive Indonesia’s Waqf in Early 2024
Productive waqf has many benefits for society. Here are some of the benefits:
- Improves people’s standard of living
- Helps overcome social and economic problems
- Strengthens the Muslim economy
- Builds public infrastructure
- Improves the quality of education
- Improves the quality of health
Indonesia’s Waqf in Early 2024 Investment Opportunities
Productive waqf opens up investment opportunities for the public who want to help improve community welfare. The public can donate money through BWI or other waqf institutions.
Productive waqf is a safe and halal investment instrument. Waqf funds will be managed by professional and trustworthy waqf administrators.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the potential for productive waqf in Indonesia is significant, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Here are some of the key challenges:
- Public awareness: Many Indonesians are still unfamiliar with the concept of productive waqf and its benefits. BWI and other stakeholders need to continue raising public awareness through education campaigns and outreach programs.
- Regulatory environment: The regulatory framework for waqf management can be complex and bureaucratic. Streamlining these regulations can encourage more participation in waqf development.
- Lack of skilled professionals: Managing productive waqf requires skilled professionals in areas such as investment management and property development. BWI needs to invest in training programs to develop a pool of qualified waqf administrators.
- Data collection and transparency: There is a lack of comprehensive data on waqf assets and their impact. Implementing robust data collection and reporting systems can increase transparency and build trust among potential donors.
The potential for waqf in Indonesia is enormous. The government focuses on developing productive waqf to improve community welfare. Productive waqf has many benefits for society and opens up investment opportunities for the public who want to help improve community welfare.