The Palestinian issue is not only a manifestation of the people’s solidarity, but also a momentum to strengthen the role of Indonesian Islamic philanthropy as a sustainable global humanitarian force.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Strengthening philanthropic diplomacy is a new strategy to support the humanitarian struggle of the Palestinian people, carried out through the instruments of zakat, infaq/charity, sedekah/alms, and waqf/charitable endowment (ZISWAF).

This idea was discussed during an audience among the Directorate of Zakat and Waqf Empowerment of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs and representatives from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), and several national zakat collection institutions in Jakarta on Thursday (June 4).

The Director of Zakat and Waqf Empowerment at the ministry, Waryono Abdul Ghofur, stated that support for Palestine by Indonesian Muslims is not limited to raising humanitarian aid.

He believes a more comprehensive and sustainable strategy is needed to address the various challenges that arise on the ground.

"Islamic philanthropy is not enough to be merely an instrument of aid. Zakat, infaq, sadaqah, and waqf must be optimized as instruments of humanitarian diplomacy capable of strengthening Indonesia's position in supporting the independence and rights of the Palestinian people," Waryono said.

He explained that various humanitarian missions show that the obstacles faced are not only related to logistical distribution, but also to geopolitical issues and international humanitarian access.

Therefore, synergy between the government, the National Zakat Agency (locally known as Baznas), Islamic zakat institutions, and other stakeholders needs to be enhanced, he said, adding that Indonesia has significant capital to carry out this role.

In addition to being one of the countries with the largest Muslim populations in the world, Indonesia is also supported by a zakat and waqf ecosystem that continues to grow and has earned public trust.

This is in line with the view of Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, who stated that the potential of Indonesian community funds is a social and spiritual force to support various humanitarian and community empowerment agendas.

"We want to ensure that every fund collected from the community truly has a broad impact, is well-targeted, aligns with the principles of maqasid (goal of) sharia, and contributes to the larger humanitarian agenda," he said.

The Directorate of Zakat and Waqf Empowerment also emphasized the importance of developing a policy framework and governance for the distribution of international humanitarian aid based on ZISWAF.

This step is considered crucial to provide legal certainty, strengthen the accountability of zakat management institutions, and increase the effectiveness of aid distribution to people in need.

The hearing resulted in a joint commitment to strengthen synergy between the government, Baznas, affiliated zakat institutions, and humanitarian organizations in formulating strategic steps to strengthen Indonesia's humanitarian diplomacy.

"The Palestinian issue is not only a manifestation of the people’s solidarity, but also a momentum to enhance the role of Indonesian Islamic philanthropy as a sustainable global humanitarian force," Waryono said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window