IPB University and Bank Indonesia Enhance the Capacity for Waqf Management in Pesantren Across Indonesia

IPB University, in collaboration with the Department of Sharia Economics and Finance (DEKS) of Bank Indonesia (BI), organized the “Training of Trainer (ToT) on Optimizing Productive Agricultural Waqf Assets Based on Pesantren” activity (11/28-30).

This collaborative event aims to strengthen the strategic role of pesantren as drivers of the sharia economy and pillars of national food security through the management of productive waqf in the agricultural sector.

The Chairperson of the Waqf and Social Funds Unit (UWDS) of IPB University, Prof Alla Asmara, stated that this program is conducted to increase the capacity of pesantren human resources in managing waqf land in various agricultural fields, such as food crops, horticulture, plantations, and livestock.

Participants took part in ToT materials and field practices, ranging from cattle farming to chili cultivation. Together with Edit Lesa Aditia, SPt, MSc, they were taken to Cattle Shed B, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, to learn tips for fattening cattle, cattle judging practice, making concentrates, making silage, and cattle maintenance patterns.

Meanwhile, the chili farming practice session was accompanied by Prof Muhamad Syukur and Dr Arya Widura Ritonga, covering transplanting seedlings into planting media and learning about chili farming systems.

Prof Alla hopes this event can become a driving force for the development of productive waqf in Indonesia and the sharia economy.

“IPB University is ready to be a pioneer, with DEKS Bank Indonesia as a catalyst, and pesantren as strategic partners in realizing an integrated and sustainable waqf and agricultural ecosystem,” he said.

At the opening event at Millennium Hotel Sirih, Jakarta, the Head of DEKS BI, Dr Rifki Ismal, and IPB University Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Cooperation, and Alumni, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar, were present. (*/Rz) (IAAS/KMR)