YOGYAKARTA, 8 November 2026 — The Waqf Institution of Masyarakat Ekonomi Syariah (MES) in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) held an Arisan Wakaf religious gathering under the theme ‘Weaving Bonds of Fellowship, Strengthening Waqf, Spreading Blessings for the Community’ on Sunday, 8 November. The event, held from 09:00 to 11:30 Western Indonesia Time (WIB), brought together approximately 90 participants, including members of the MES DIY Executive Board, Board of Experts and Advisory Board, as well as the general public.
The gathering formed part of efforts to strengthen the Community Arisan Wakaf movement and the Road to Jogja Halal Fest (JHF) #3 International 2026 programme. Through the event, MES DIY encouraged broader public participation in cash waqf and the optimal use of its benefits as a means of economic empowerment, particularly for halal micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In developing its programmes, the MES DIY Waqf Institution collaborates with six Islamic Financial Institutions Receiving Cash Waqf (LKS-PWU). The Temporary Cash Waqf scheme under the Arisan Wakaf programme works with BPRS HIK MCI, BPRS BDS, BPRS BDW, BMT Beringharjo and BPRS MAM. Meanwhile, Perpetual Cash Waqf is developed in cooperation with BPD DIY Syariah through the Gandeng Gendong (GG) SuperApps platform.
The Chair of the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership in DIY (PWM DIY), Dr. H. Muhammad Ikhwan Ahada, S.Ag., M.A., delivered the religious address. Prof. Edy Suandi Hamid also attended and gave remarks on strengthening the waqf movement and developing the Islamic economic ecosystem in DIY.
Productive Waqf for Halal MSME Empowerment
In remarks delivered by its Secretary, the MES DIY Waqf Institution outlined its achievements in raising waqf funds and distributing their benefits. On 11 October 2026, the institution distributed IDR 5,804,000 in waqf benefits to 43 Kalasan fried chicken MSME operators. The distribution was part of the Gowes Wakaf cycling event and the declaration of the Kalasan Fried Chicken Halal Area Commitment (KKH), held within the Road to JHF #3 International 2026 programme.
In addition, IDR 5,000,000 in returns from Temporary Cash Waqf was distributed to LIMASAN Serambi Dakwah, which supports MSMEs in Bangunjiwo and forms part of an emerging Halal Area Commitment (KKH) initiative.
From December 2025 to October 2026, waqf funds raised totalled IDR 676,794,825, with accumulated returns of IDR 26,528,500. The projected fundraising target is IDR 1,293,000,000.
These achievements demonstrate the potential of cash waqf as an Islamic social finance instrument that connects public participation with economic empowerment. Through professional and collaborative management, waqf is expected to provide sustained benefits for MSMEs and the development of the halal ecosystem.
Expanding Waqf Collaboration and the Halal Ecosystem
In his remarks, Prof. Edy Suandi Hamid said that waqf development within MES DIY is intended not only to benefit halal MSMEs but also to help build a wider Islamic economic ecosystem. One such initiative is the recognition of Widosari Tourism Village in Kulon Progo Regency as a Muslim-Friendly Tourism Village.
Prof. Edy also encouraged all members of MES DIY to participate in the Arisan Wakaf programme, setting an example and strengthening the community-based waqf movement. He further invited all participants to attend Jogja Halal Fest #3 International 2026, which will take place on 4–6 December 2026 at Jogja Expo Center (JEC), Yogyakarta.
Meanwhile, during a special JHF #3 presentation, Taufik Ridwan invited entrepreneurs with halal certification to take part, with special discounts on offer. He also conveyed the organisers’ readiness to provide special facilities for business communities and enterprises that support the halal sector.
Waqf as an Enduring Investment in Good Deeds
The programme continued with a religious address by Dr. H. Muhammad Ikhwan Ahada, S.Ag., M.A. Referring to Surah Yunus, verse 58, he reminded participants that Allah’s bounty and mercy are a source of happiness far greater than anything people accumulate.
Drawing on the thought of Ibn al-Qayyim, he explained the distinction between muqayyadah blessings, which are limited in nature, and mutlaqah blessings, which have more fundamental value. He identified four principal blessings that must always be safeguarded: Islam, faith, the Qur’an and the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. These should not be exchanged for temporary worldly pleasures.
He also urged Muslims to improve the quality of their righteous deeds, going beyond obligatory duties to perform more acts of goodness. In the context of waqf, wealth can be entrusted to charitable purposes such as building mosques, schools and facilities that serve the public good. Waqf is an investment in good deeds whose benefits can continue across generations.
Through the Arisan Wakaf gathering, MES DIY reaffirmed its commitment to broadening public participation in cash waqf, strengthening collaboration with LKS-PWU and encouraging the productive and sustainable distribution of waqf benefits. The Community Arisan Wakaf movement is expected to become a collective force supporting halal MSME empowerment and strengthening the Islamic economic ecosystem in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.