Baznas and Indonesian agencies sign MoU to strengthen zakat ecosystem

Baznas, BPI Danantara, the Ministry of Cooperatives, and the Indonesian Sharia Economic Community (MES) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Indonesia’s zakat and sharia cooperative ecosystem. The collaboration aims to improve the mobilization and distribution of Zakat, Infak, Sedekah, and other religious social funds (ZIS-DSKL), particularly within State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN).

The initiative includes economic empowerment through sharia-based cooperatives and mosques, research collaboration, and data exchange. Programs will target community empowerment, including pesantren cooperatives and entrepreneurship training for students.

In West Java, Baznas is working to bridge a significant gap in zakat collection. While the province's potential is estimated at Rp30 trillion, current realization is approximately Rp1 trillion. To address this, Baznas is prioritizing the strengthening of Zakat Collection Units (UPZ) to turn potential into actualized social funds. This movement aligns with the broader growth of Indonesia's sharia economy, which has seen significant acceleration in sectors like halal food, modest fashion, and sharia banking.