The Role of BRI in the Indonesian Cash Waqf House’s System

This paper tries to offer a design of the most suitable role of BRI in the system of the Indonesian Cash Waqf House, which will be established as soon as the supporting, proposed National Act is approved by the House of Representatives3. The idea is developed from some of our previous research in cash waqf certification model and microfinance for coastal community. Poverty alleviation program in Indonesia requires huge amount of fund that cannot be provided thoroughly by the government. Therefore, initiation of new sources of fund for such a program is inevitable. In the Islamic sosio-economic concept, there is a source of social fund that is economically and politically free of charge, namely cash waqf (wakaf tunai). In this concept, Nadzir (cash waqf fund manager) collects the fund from Waqif (cash waqf payer) and invest the money in the real sector (mainly Small & Medium-sized Ventures) and in any syariah-based investment opportunities. Nadzir will then allocate all profits and returns gained from the investments to any poverty alleviation programs to enhance the quality of poor people’s life, such as free education and health service, cheap basic food, etc. Nadzir is obliged to maintain the amount of fund in such a way that it does not go below the initial amount. Therefore, Nadzir not only should be highly capable, but also needs a financial institution, which has been proven to be experienced, highly capable and effective in helping SMEs development efforts, since such a microcredit program is considered as the most vital portfolio in the poverty alleviation program. BRI has shown an excellent track record in conducting microbanking and strong commitment to SMEs development, as well as to poverty alleviation program. Therefore, BRI is the most valuable choice and is expected to play main role in assisting Nadzir to manage the collected cash waqf fund and to distribute the returns to enhance the Poor’s welfare in Indonesia.