Green Philanthropy Becomes Dompet Dhuafa's Strategy to Tackle Drought

The increasingly widespread drought in several parts of Indonesia has prompted Islamic philanthropic institutions to strengthen clean water provision programmes whilst building long-term climate resilience. Dompet Dhuafa, for instance, is not only distributing clean water aid to affected areas but also developing waqf well programmes, piped water networks, and renewable energy endowments as sustainable solutions. General Manager of Waqf Fundraising and Literacy at Dompet Dhuafa, Ali Bastoni, stated that the organisation is implementing two approaches in responding to the drought crisis. The first is emergency response action in the form of clean water distribution to areas experiencing water shortages. “The first is a responsive action, namely water distribution to points experiencing drought. We are currently starting distribution in Yogyakarta and several areas on Java Island,” Ali told Republika on Wednesday. In addition to emergency aid, Dompet Dhuafa is also running long-term programmes through the construction of clean water sources. The programme is realised in the construction of waqf-based wells and piped networks to channel water to communities in need. According to Ali, to date the waqf water source and piped network programme has been built in more than dozens of locations across various regions. The details of the locations are continually updated as programmes in the field increase. Communities experiencing clean water difficulties or wishing to apply for assistance can contact Dompet Dhuafa’s customer care so that needs on the ground can be verified and followed up. Ali explained that the increasing threat of drought due to climate change means Islamic philanthropic institutions need to develop approaches that are not only charitable but also oriented towards climate resilience. Therefore, Dompet Dhuafa is now promoting the concept of Green Philanthropy, directing the use of sharia social funds, such as zakat, infaq, sadaqah, and waqf, to support environmental conservation whilst improving community welfare.