Dompet Dhuafa West Java Prepares Sustainable Empowerment Programme for Converts in Kuningan Regency
The zakat management institution Dompet Dhuafa West Java has rolled out a zakat utilisation programme for the ‘mualaf’ (converts) group, named the Indonesian Convert Empowerment Programme (PEMULIA), in the Kuningan region of West Java. The programme was officially launched at the Kuningan Regent’s Office on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.
Attendees at the inauguration included the Regent of Kuningan, Dian Rachmat Yanuar, the Director of Social, Humanitarian, and Da’wah Programmes at ID Humanity Dompet Dhuafa, Ahmad Shonhaji, and the Head of the West Java Branch of Dompet Dhuafa, Yogi Achmad Fajar. The programme is a collaborative effort between Dompet Dhuafa West Java, the Corps Dai Dompet Dhuafa (Cordofa) ID Humanity, and the Ikhlas Madani Indonesia Convert Foundation (Mukmin) to provide continuous assistance to converts, covering not only religious aspects but also social and economic dimensions.
The launch of the PEMULIA programme received direct appreciation and support from the Regent of Kuningan, Dian Rachlan Yanuar. He noted that the programme is a strategic step in addressing the various challenges often faced by converts after embracing Islam. “As the Regent of Kuningan, I certainly welcome and appreciate this, and I hope this activity can run smoothly,” said Dian.
The PEMULIA programme is considered essential as converts frequently face various pressures, ranging from psychological and social challenges to religious understanding and economic issues. The presence of the Indonesian Convert Empowerment Programme serves as evidence that they are not alone, with the hope that this will become a sustainable development programme. The Regent also expressed his hope that Dompet Dhuafa’s PEMULIA programme can continue to synergise with the Kuningan Regency Government’s programmes to become more focused, comprehensive, and impactful for the community.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Shonhaji, Director of Social, Humanitarian, and Da’wah Programmes at ID Humanity Dompet Dhuafa, stated that the launch of the PEMULIA programme represents a beautiful synergy between Dompet Dhuafa, the local government, and various convert development institutions in Kuningan Regency. “Today we are performing a synergy through the launch of the Indonesian Convert Empowerment Programme. This is a form of fellowship and collaboration between Dompet Dhuafa, the government, and various institutions for the development of converts in Kuningan Regency,” he said in a statement on Friday, 31 July 2026.
The programme serves as an effort to nurture the faith of converts, not only at the moment of their profession of faith but also through coaching, teaching, and encouraging their independence. This creates a synergy pattern involving various stakeholders in the process of developing converts in Indonesia.
On the same occasion, the Head of the West Java Branch of Dompet Dhuafa, Yogi Achmad Fajar, stated that the PEMULIA programme is one of the flagship da’wah programmes of Dompet Dhuafa West Java in providing assistance to converts. “We are proud of the presence of the Indonesian Convert Empowerment Programme as one of the flagship da’wah programmes in West Java. During this inauguration, we also distributed various forms of assistance to converts, including scholarships, basic food packages, school kits, and Al-Qur’ans,” he said. He added that this is proof that Dompet Dhuafa is always present to accompany them, ensuring that converts do not walk alone but are continuously supported in their new lives as Muslims.
Through the PEMULIA programme, Dompet Dhuafa hopes to create a more structured and sustainable ecosystem for convert development that can strengthen faith and improve the quality of life for beneficiaries. The synergy between philanthropic institutions, the government, and the community is expected to serve as the foundation for providing comprehensive development so that converts can grow into independent, empowered individuals who remain steadfast in practicing Islamic teachings.