The Indonesia Post – President Joko Widodo launched the National Money Waqf Movement (GNWU) on Monday, January 25, 2021. The launch event took place at the State Palace, Jakarta, and was attended by a number of attendees virtually.
In his remarks, the President who also acts as Chairman of the National Committee for Sharia Economics and Finance (KNEKS) explained that the government continues to seek ways to reduce social inequality and create equitable development throughout the country. One of these steps is through the development and management of Islamic financial institutions.
“One of the breakthrough steps that we need to think about is the development of Islamic financial institutions that are managed based on the waqf system. The potential for waqf in Indonesia is very large, both immovable and movable object waqf, including waqf in the form of money, “he said.
In Indonesia, the potential for waqf is very large. Based on data received by the President, the potential of waqf assets per year reaches IDR 2,000 trillion, of which the potential in the form of cash waqf can exceed IDR 188 trillion.
It has been a long time since Muslims in Indonesia have practiced waqf in their daily lives. However, the potential of waqf is still not well utilized. In addition, the use of waqf is still more aimed at social worship, such as the construction of mosques, madrassas and tombs.
Therefore, the GNWU launched by the President today marks the start of a broader and modern transformation of the implementation of waqf.
“We need to expand the scope of waqf utilization. It is no longer limited to religious purposes, but is developed for socio-economic purposes that have a significant impact on reducing poverty and social inequality in society, “said the President.
The expansion of waqf is in line with Law Number 41 of 2004 concerning Waqf in which waqf assets are extended not only to immovable objects such as land and buildings, but also to movable property such as money, vehicles, machines, to sharia securities.
The launch of GNWU is also important and relevant. The President emphasized that GNWU was not only increasing public literacy and education on the economy and sharia finance, but also strengthening a sense of care and social solidarity to overcome the problems of poverty and social inequality.
“As a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, it is time for us to provide examples of waqf management practices that are transparent, professional, credible, and have a productive impact on the welfare and economic empowerment of Muslims and at the same time have a significant influence on efforts to move our national economy. especially in the UMKM sector, “he said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin as the Daily Chairperson of the KNEKS in his report explained, since the signing of Presidential Regulation Number 28 of 2020 concerning KNEKS, the government through KNEKS has moved to focus on developing four things, namely the development of the halal product industry, the Islamic financial industry, social funds. sharia, and expansion of sharia businesses or businesses.
The launching of the GWNU is a follow-up to the third development focus by developing Islamic social funds, one of which is through the development of waqf funds.
“Waqf is one of the teachings of Islam which contains messages of concern and sharing as well as efforts to distribute the welfare of the community. Waqf also has an economic dimension considering that waqf can be used as an instrument in overcoming inequality and improving the economic welfare of the community, “said Ma’ruf Amin. (ray / bbs)
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