©UNHCR's Representative, Ms. Ann Maymann, standing alongside UNHCR's Islamic Philantropy donors and partners during a Halal bil Halal event.
Jakarta, May 3, 2024 – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Indonesia held its inaugural Halal bi Halal event on May 2, 2024. The event brought together key figures from Islamic philanthropic organizations, scholars, and experts to reaffirm shared commitments to supporting forcibly displaced people.
Ms. Ann Maymann, UNHCR Country Representative for Indonesia, highlighted UNHCR’s role as a strategic distribution partner for Zakat and Sadaqah funds, ensuring these reach the most vulnerable refugees. She emphasized, “Through its Islamic Philanthropy initiative, UNHCR has provided aid to 1,172,384 zakat beneficiaries in 20 countries and 826,988 sadaqah beneficiaries in 16 countries during 2023, including Indonesia.”
The event featured a panel discussion led by Mr. Muhammad Thoriq Helmi, UNHCR’s Associate PPH/IP Officer, with speakers Prof. Dr. M. Amin Suma, S.H., M.A., (Ulama and Sharia Council in several Islamic Institutions), Prof. Amelia Fauzia, Ph.D (Professor of Islamic History from the State Islamic University), and Silih Agung Wasesa (Branding and Communication Expert). The insightful discussion touched upon the historical context of supporting refugees within Islam, the principles of inclusive philanthropy, and how Islamic organizations could optimize their brand strategies. Prof. DR. KH. Amin Suma stressed, “In general and overall, God willing, Islam’s response to refugees must be fair and wise.” Additionally, Prof. Amelia Fauzia, PhD explained, “refugees are a very strong part of the group that must be supported by philanthropic institutions.” Furthermore, she added, “Philanthropic institutions that are committed to helping refugees can be said to be philanthropic institutions that have prioritized the principles of inclusivity.” she concluded.
In a special session, NU Care-LAZISNU and LAZISMU, each representing the biggest Muslim organizations in Indonesia, Nadhlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah respectively, presented a matching donation of IDR 225,000,000 for refugees in Indonesia through UNHCR.
Drs. Qohari Choli, Executive Director of NU Care-LAZISNU, expressed his organization’s commitment to support refugees. “We are motivated to be able to work together to help the refugees because on humanitarian grounds, these refugees never expected a situation like that and were forced to flee.” He also added that the refugees are “included in the Eight Asnaf, including the poor, Ghorimin, and Ibn Sabil. So, even from a zakat perspective, they have the right to receive zakat.”
Similarly, Ibnu Tsani, Executive Director of LAZISMU mentioned that “LAZISMU institutionally adheres to the Rahmatan-Lil-Alamin Islamic system. This means that Islam must be a solution to various humanitarian problems not only in Indonesia, but also in the world.”
The agency also expressed its gratitude to BP ZIS INDOSAT for their commitment and continued support in the past 3 years. Upon receiving the award, Adhi Purnomo, Head of LAZ SKI INDOSAT briefed about BP ZIS Indosat’s dedication to helping refugees and the longstanding partnership with UNHCR. “The issue of refugees [is] part of humanity that applies universally. We hope that what we give to refugees can make a greater contribution to their lives in the future,” he concluded.
About UNHCR
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. For more information, please visit: https://www.unhcr.org/id/
Media contact:
Mitra Suryono, [email protected], +6281119600493
Islamic Philanthropy
Email: [email protected]
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