Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Bangladesh, Egypt and Malaysia have implemented waqf as a tool to resolve poverty issues. In Indonesia, however, people are not familiar with waqf, let alone in cash forms. This hampers the management of cash waqf in the country.
“There are many barriers in the management of cash waqf because many people still think that waqf always relates to land property. Problems also emerge because there is no adequate fund to manage such lands," said Siti Muflichah, S.H., M.H., during her doctoral promotion on Wednesday (14/9) at Faculty of Law UGM.
In Islamic perspective, waqf is a tool to empower people’s economy to achieve welfare in life.
"The potential of waqf in Indonesia is huge and the funds can be used for economic as well as social, productive projects. In terms of jurisdiction, the government has issued Law on waqf No. 41 Year 2004 and government regulations No. 42 Year 2006," she explained.
Specifically, in her dissertation, the lecturer from Universitas Jenderal Soedirman Purwokerto examined management and implementation of cash waqf by organisers, Tabung Wakaf Indonesia (TWI) Dompet Dhuafa Jakarta. The TWI makes strategy in fund raising management through campaigns in electronic media, mass media, and sermons.
Waqf management by the TWI, according to Siti, has benefitted the society, however, she suggested the TWI to make a change of waqf paradigm by increasing use of cash waqf for productive projects.
"During this time, the TWI has not used much cash waqf for productive projects; most still on consumptive ones. This needs to be done to sustain the everlasting nature of waqf,” she concluded.