Indonesia calls for state universities to establish zakat units

Indonesia's Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has called on all state universities to establish Zakat Collecting Units (UPZ). The initiative aims to optimize philanthropic resources within campus communities to provide alternative funding for students requiring financial assistance.

Yuliarto indicated that the ministry will instruct state universities to form these units in collaboration with the Association of Indonesian Campus Mosques (AMKI). He also encouraged universities with established management systems to mentor those in the early stages of development.

The National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS) estimates that the higher education ecosystem holds a significant collection potential, projected at approximately Rp220 billion annually. BAZNAS noted that establishing a UPZ is a requirement for universities wishing to partner with the organization to distribute zakat-funded scholarships.