Charity dinner for Waqf Forest raises Rp 410 Million
The fund is raised through various schemes, such as waqf commitments via accounts, waqf money through QRIS, and auction of paintings.
MOSAIC-INDONESIA.COM, JAKARTA — Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kementerian Agama) together with Muslims for Shared Action on Climate Impact (MOSAIC) Indonesia and Indonesian Waqf Agency (BWI) managed to raise Waqf fund worth Rp 410,462,462.
Funds raised in the charity dinner on Earth Day will be used for the development of the Waqf Forest program. The funds are raised through various schemes, such as waqf commitments via accounts, waqf money through QRIS, and auction of paintings.
The Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, stated that the Waqf Forest movement was one of the best efforts in maintaining environmental sustainability. According to him, the existence of the forest provides great benefits to the living beings around it.
“To inherit the forest means to inherit its sublime values, because the forest is a symbol and is synonymous with life. The Prophet Muhammad also recommended that we plant trees, even if tomorrow the world will end. That is, trees are the epitome of life,” Menag said after attending a charity dinner entitled Ecotheology in Action: Green Waqf Movement for Sustainable Forest Preservation in Jakarta, Tuesday (22/4/2025).
He also appreciated the fundraising move through the auction of artworks. According to him, art has an important role in shaping the tenderness of the soul.“I love the work of a noble person. Art is, right, a sublime work. People who like to enjoy art are part of Tazkiyatun Nafs, the purification and softening of the rough soul,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Islamic Society Guidance, Abu Rokhmad, revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has designated four locations of the Waqf Forest, namely in Wajo, Gunungkidul, Tasikmalaya, and Padang.
He said that the funds raised will be used for the development of the Waqf Forest so that its benefits can be felt more widely by society and the environment.
“The Waqf Forest is not just a green space. It is a manifestation of ecotheology, a blend of worship, social responsibility, and ecological concern. These forests absorb carbon, maintain biodiversity, and feed the surrounding communities. It is not just an 'afterlife investment', but also a world solution, a Green Waqf that bridges heaven and earth,” Abu said.
He also called on Muslims to cultivate a spirit of environmental protection as part of Islamic teachings. “Let us reflect back on the spirit of Islam as a religion that not only teaches prayer and zakat, but also guards trees, protects water, and respects life,” he said.
