Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s National Alms Agency (Baznas) is exploring a strategic partnership with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Youth to strengthen the international zakat (Islamic almsgiving) diplomacy ecosystem.
Syarifuddin, head of research, development, planning, and innovation at Baznas, said the agency was open to cooperation on programs to utilize zakat funds and empower zakat beneficiaries, including through the International Islamic Youth Policy Strategic Dialogue 2026, scheduled to be held by OIC Youth on December 7, 2026.
The cooperation could also involve building international networks to promote the zakat potential of Indonesian diaspora communities in OIC member countries.
“We must be realistic about international dialogue. We need to continue promoting these efforts to advance zakat diplomacy. We welcome more concrete programs that can leverage existing networks to unlock zakat potential in each country,” he said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
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Through the proposed partnership, Baznas hopes Indonesia’s community-based zakat management model can serve as a reference and inspire best practices in other Muslim-majority countries.
Syarifuddin added that Baznas was continuing to strengthen its strategic leadership role internationally, including by seeking key positions in the global zakat forum, the World Zakat and Waqf Forum (WZWF), while promoting Indonesia’s distinctive zakat management model globally.
“We can develop a cooperation framework with our colleagues at OIC Youth to support joint programs. Our cooperation with the OIC would cover not only programs but also efforts to strengthen zakat potential,” he said.
Meanwhile, OIC Youth Indonesia President Astrid Nadya Rizqita said the International Islamic Youth Policy Strategic Dialogue 2026 would bring together around 200 participants, including young people, university students, and Islamic boarding school students, as well as diplomatic representatives from 30 OIC member and observer countries.
Astrid noted that Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, had repeatedly been ranked among the world’s most generous countries, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said this generosity needed to be managed effectively to ensure donations were distributed properly.
“One of the issues we will also address at the event is inclusive finance and sustainable energy,” Astrid said.
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Translator: Sean, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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