Wow! The Potential Of Waqf Funds In Indonesia Reaches IDR 2,000 Trillion Per Year

JAKARTA - The potential for waqf funds in Indonesia is said to be very large. The value is even estimated at IDR 2,000 trillion per year.

This was conveyed by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the launching of the National Movement for Cash Waqf (GWNU) and the Sharia Economic Brand, Tuesday, January 26.

"The potential for waqf is very, very large in our country. The potential for waqf assets per year reaches IDR 2,000 trillion, and the potential for cash waqf can exceed IDR 188 trillion," said Jokowi, quoted from Antara.

Jokowi assessed that waqf was not only intended for worship. However, it must also be developed to reduce poverty and inequality in society.

Therefore, the former Mayor of Solo and the Governor of DKI Jakarta requested that the coverage of waqf use be expanded so that it can have a significant impact on reducing poverty and social inequality in society.

"Waqf is not only to increase awareness and economic literacy. But it is an effort to strengthen a sense of social care and solidarity to overcome poverty and social inequality in our country," said Jokowi.

Meanwhile, Minister of Finance (Menkeu) Sri Mulyani Indrawati said that the amount of waqf funds collected and stored in banks until December 2020 reached Rp. 328 billion.

Apart from cash waqf, funds for based projects have also reached IDR597 billion.

"This effort is in line with us to continue improving sharia-based financing instruments, which are increasingly in demand by the public," said Ani, the minister's nickname.

Ani said, the government together with waqf stakeholders will continue to provide education to the community so that it becomes more literate for waqf.