# Zakat institutionalization and distribution in Indonesia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zakat-institutionalization-and-distribution-in-indonesia > Updated: 2026-09-24T04:53:48.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. In early September 2026, Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, called for all state universities to establish Zakat Collecting Units (UPZ). This initiative seeks to utilize philanthropic resources to provide alternative funding for students in need. The National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS) estimated the annual collection potential within the higher education ecosystem at approximately Rp220 billion. Following this push for institutionalized zakat management, various zakat institutions and alumni organizations began implementing localized social welfare and economic empowerment programs. These activities included food distribution and occupational safety counseling for fishermen in Padang, as well as the establishment of economic and social spaces like ‘ZCorner’ and ‘ZCoffee’ at the Universitas Padjadjaran Grand Mosque to support underprivileged students. Additionally, medical and food assistance was provided to specific communities in Batam through Rumah Sehat Baznas. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: Zakat institutions launch social welfare and empowerment programs in Indonesia Zakat institutions in Indonesia are launching diverse social programs, including food aid for fishermen in Padang, student empowerment hubs at Unpad, and free healthcare for converts in Batam. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zakat-institutions-launch-social-welfare-and-empowerment-programs-in-indonesia ### 2026-09-09: Indonesia calls for state universities to establish zakat units Indonesia's Minister of Higher Education has urged state universities to establish Zakat Collecting Units (UPZ) to provide alternative scholarship funding for students in need. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-calls-for-state-universities-to-establish-zakat-units --- Cite as: Zakat institutionalization and distribution in Indonesia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zakat-institutionalization-and-distribution-in-indonesia