Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Religious Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) are exploring potential cooperation to utilize waqf (Islamic endowment) assets in support of the three million homes program targeting low-income communities.

"Our Directorate of Zakat and Waqf will formulate a technical cooperation scheme, with the aim of translating the cooperation opportunities into a memorandum of understanding," Religious Affairs Ministry's Director General of Islamic Community Guidance, Abu Rokhmad, remarked here on Tuesday.

He noted that the proposed utilization of waqf assets is intended to boost infrastructure development, promote economic equity in villages, and strengthen interfaith harmony.

He affirmed that these goals align with President Prabowo Subianto's eight primary missions, collectively called the Asta Cita.

Rokhmad explained that the two ministries are considering a rent-based model or a right-to-build certificate mechanism to facilitate collaboration between housing developers and waqf administrators.

He explained that rent fees paid by program beneficiaries would be used to repay developers as financial backers while also generating shared profits for waqf administrators.

“This scheme will not only increase access to affordable housing but also transform waqf assets into productive properties,” he elaborated.

Related news: Prabowo plan to ease poverty: Building three mln homes a year

Rokhmad emphasized that the scheme is expected to be an effective solution for low-income families seeking decent, affordable homes in improved living conditions.

He also noted that implementation would be guided by the National Socioeconomic Single Data (DTSEN) to ensure the program reaches those most in need.

The use of waqf assets for housing is supported by Article 45 of Government Regulation No. 42 of 2006, which permits waqf land designated for public welfare to be used in accordance with its waqf pledge.

Meanwhile, PKP Ministry’s Director General of Governance and Risk Control, Aziz Andriansyah, stated that his side aims to build three million houses—one million each in urban, rural, and coastal areas.

“We will devise a financing scheme that balances affordability, feasibility, and sustainability,” he remarked.

Related news: Simpler financing can support three mln homes a year target: Govt

Translator: Asep F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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