JAKARTA – BAZNAS, BSI, and UNDP Launch Green Zakat Framework to Strengthen Community Resilience and Address Climate Change
The National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS), in collaboration with Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia, officially launched the Green Zakat Framework, a pioneering initiative to integrate zakat with environmental sustainability principles. The framework was formally handed over to the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia as a strategic reference for the government in utilizing zakat to support sustainable development and climate action.
Chairman of BAZNAS, Prof. Dr. KH. Noor Achmad, represented by Rizaludin Kurniawan emphasized that the Green Zakat Framework marks a significant milestone in strengthening zakat’s role as a development instrument.
“BAZNAS welcomes the launch of the Green Zakat Framework, as it aligns with our mission to help others and strengthen social solidarity. We call upon all stakeholders to prioritize environmental aspects in zakat management, so that zakat not only alleviates poverty but also contributes to environmental preservation and builds resilience for future generations,” he stated.
Indonesia is currently facing major financing needs to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a funding gap of around USD 1.7 trillion, including USD 281–285 billion required to meet its climate targets under the Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (ENDC). The Green Zakat Framework offers a unique opportunity to mobilize community-based religious and social resources.
National zakat collection has reached approximately USD 2.53 billion, alongside Islamic endowments (waqf) of around USD 216 million. According to BAZNAS, this vast potential must be optimized not only to address poverty but also to support environmentally friendly programs, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem restoration.
During the launch, Minister of Religious Affairs of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, expressed his appreciation for this initiative.
“We aspire to position Indonesia as a center of Islamic civilization. Through the Green Zakat Framework, zakat is expected to become an economic force for the ummah while also supporting environmental sustainability,” he emphasized.
President Director of PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk, Anggoro Eko Cahyo, highlighted the importance of synergy in optimizing Indonesia’s zakat potential, which is estimated at IDR 327 trillion.
“The Green Zakat Framework provides a solution to expand collaboration across institutions and increase public interest in zakat, thereby maximizing its benefits for both the ummah and the environment,” he said.
Support also came from UNDP Indonesia, which viewed the framework as an innovative approach to Islamic social finance. Sujala Pant, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia, underlined that zakat can now be utilized more strategically—not only for basic needs assistance but also to strengthen community resilience through green initiatives such as renewable energy in villages, sustainable farming, and women-led enterprises.
The launch also featured a panel discussion titled “Institutionalizing Green Zakat and Green Waqf: Transforming Ethical Finance into Climate Action.” Panelists emphasized the importance of integrating green principles into zakat governance, ensuring measurable impact, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
With this milestone, BAZNAS reaffirms its commitment to positioning zakat as a transformative instrument: alleviating poverty, strengthening social solidarity, and driving tangible action to safeguard the planet.
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