IslamicFinance.de

In #Indonesia the Financial Service Authority (OJK) is seeking to boost Islamic financial products growth through better access to the financial service industry. According to OJK Commissioner Council member Firdaus Djaelani, better access to financial products will ease service delivery, lead to the affordable price, as well as to other benefits. The market share of Islamic finance in Indonesia is still low at 5.3%. However, Firdaus is optimistic that Islamic finance industry has a huge potential. He believes that people need to participate in enhancing market share of Islamic finance industry, including through engagement in the Islamic Economic Society (MES). The better understanding of Islamic financial products will open up access to financial institutions. Better access for the people and SMEs will also provide a sense of security in financial investment.

Bank Muamalat Indonesia was appointed as the National Zakat Collector Agency through its affiliation called Baitulmaal Muamalat (BMM). Bank Muamalat has distributed assistance fund to 4,500 orphans across Indonesia, which amounts to Rp1.35 billion (US$100,000) worth of zakat collected by BMM. The fund is distributed through a number of programs, namely community empowerment programs, like Orphan Kafala and educational programs, like the Islamic Solidarity School (ISS). The fund is also distributed through the B-Smart program that provides scholarships for accomplished students, and the Fi Sabilillah program that provides scholarships for orphans finishing their undergraduate studies.