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Zakat is a key instrument in the Islamic economic system, functioning as a mechanism for income redistribution and poverty alleviation. However, zakat management at the level of mosque-based Zakat Collection Units (Unit Pengumpul Zakat/UPZ) still faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of managerial capacity, administrative systems, and institutional governance. This community service project aims to optimize the collection and distribution of zakat through capacity building of the UPZ management at Al-Hidayah Mosque, Mandailing Natal. The study employed a participatory approach consisting of observation, joint planning, socialization, training, mentoring, and evaluation stages. Data were collected using observation, interviews, and structured questionnaires administered through pre-test and post-test to measure participants’ knowledge improvement. Data analysis was conducted using a descriptive comparative method to assess changes before and after the intervention. The results indicate a significant improvement in the managerial capacity of UPZ administrators, as reflected by an increase in the average score from 55% in the pre-test to 80% in the post-test. In addition, improvements were observed in zakat management practices, including the establishment of simple financial recording systems, the development of a structured database of donors (muzakki) and beneficiaries (mustahik), and enhanced transparency and accountability. Qualitatively, the program also fostered behavioral change among administrators, the emergence of local leadership, and increased public trust in the UPZ. This study concludes that participatory-based socialization, training, and mentoring are effective in strengthening institutional capacity and optimizing zakat management at the grassroots level. The findings highlight the importance of governance and capacity building in enhancing the effectiveness of community-based zakat institutions.

Zakat is a key instrument in the Islamic economic system, functioning as a mechanism for income redistribution and poverty alleviation. However, zakat management at the level of mosque-based Zakat Collection Units (Unit Pengumpul Zakat/UPZ) still faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of managerial capacity, administrative systems, and institutional governance. This community service project aims to optimize the collection and distribution of zakat through capacity building of the UPZ management at Al-Hidayah Mosque, Mandailing Natal. The study employed a participatory approach consisting of observation, joint planning, socialization, training, mentoring, and evaluation stages. Data were collected using observation, interviews, and structured questionnaires administered through pre-test and post-test to measure participants’ knowledge improvement. Data analysis was conducted using a descriptive comparative method to assess changes before and after the intervention. The results indicate a significant improvement in the managerial capacity of UPZ administrators, as reflected by an increase in the average score from 55% in the pre-test to 80% in the post-test. In addition, improvements were observed in zakat management practices, including the establishment of simple financial recording systems, the development of a structured database of donors (muzakki) and beneficiaries (mustahik), and enhanced transparency and accountability. Qualitatively, the program also fostered behavioral change among administrators, the emergence of local leadership, and increased public trust in the UPZ. This study concludes that participatory-based socialization, training, and mentoring are effective in strengthening institutional capacity and optimizing zakat management at the grassroots level. The findings highlight the importance of governance and capacity building in enhancing the effectiveness of community-based zakat institutions.

Poverty remains a fundamental problem rooted in Indonesia's socio-economic structure, despite various mitigation schemes implemented by the government. As the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia has enormous sharia-based public financial resources, where zakat should be positioned as a strategic means of wealth distribution. However, in reality, this instrument is often not optimally realised in national macroeconomic policy. This study aims to analyse Monzer Kahf's Islamic economic thinking on zakat and its relevance to poverty alleviation efforts in Indonesia. The research method used is qualitative with a library research approach through a systematic literature review of Monzer Kahf's fundamental works and various studies related to national zakat management, which are analysed descriptively and analytically to connect the theoretical framework with the socio-religious dynamics in Indonesia.  

This study examines the effectiveness of zakat distribution during the leadership of Umar bin Abdul Aziz and its relevance to poverty alleviation models in Indonesia. Structural poverty remains a persistent challenge in Indonesia’s economic development, requiring systematic and sustainable solutions. Within Islamic economic thought, zakat functions not only as a religious obligation but also as a fiscal instrument capable of promoting social welfare and economic independence. This research employs a qualitative approach through historical and literature study methods, analyzing classical Islamic governance practices alongside contemporary zakat management in Indonesia. The findings reveal that the success of zakat distribution under Umar bin Abdul Aziz was supported by centralized governance, strong institutional reform of Baitul Mal, strict supervision, and integrity-based leadership, resulting in effective wealth redistribution and significant poverty reduction. The study further finds that productive zakat distribution, institutional integration, regulatory reinforcement, and digital transparency are crucial elements for enhancing the performance of zakat institutions in Indonesia. The implications suggest that strengthening governance, accountability, and productive empowerment programs can transform zakat into a strategic socio-economic policy instrument capable of addressing structural poverty in a sustainable manner.

The background of this research is based on the enormous potential of zakat, infaq, shadaqah, and waqf (ZISWAF) as Islamic social finance instruments which, if managed optimally and sustainably, can play a significant role in reducing poverty and promoting comprehensive economic independence among communities amid the ongoing challenges of social inequality. The purpose of this study is to explain the strategic function of ZISWAF in strengthening the community’s economy while emphasizing the urgency of professional, transparent, and targeted management for the improvement of public welfare at large. The research method used was library research, evaluating various literature sources such as books, scientific journals, and relevant previous research reports. The collected data was then analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach to provide an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of economic empowerment through ZISWAF. Research findings show that ZISWAF plays a crucial role in improving economic welfare through a paradigm shift from consumptive assistance to productive assistance programs. Management oriented towards sustainability and transparency has proven effective in promoting economic ind ependence among low-income communities and significantly reducing poverty rates. The implication of this study confirm that strengthening regulations, digitizing management, and improving public literacy regarding ZISWAF are essential. Management institutions must continue to improve their accountability in order to increase public trust, so that ZISWAF can become a key development in the future.

This research analyzes the legal status of zakat within the state financial system and explores its potential integration as a sharia-based fiscal instrument in Indonesia through a comparative study with Malaysia. In Islamic law, zakat functions both as a religious obligation and as a mechanism for wealth redistribution aimed at achieving social justice. However, under Indonesia’s positive law framework, zakat is still treated as a socio-religious institution outside the formal state fiscal system, as stipulated in Law Number 23 of 2011 on Zakat Management. In contrast, Malaysia has successfully integrated zakat into its Islamic fiscal policy through the authority of the State Islamic Religious Council (MAIN), which holds legal legitimacy as a regional public body. This study adopts a normative and comparative legal approach by examining statutory regulations, Islamic legal doctrines, and zakat institutional practices in both countries. The findings indicate that the integration of zakat into Indonesia’s fiscal system is constitutionally permissible and does not conflict with Article 23A and Article 34 paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution, as it aligns with welfare state principles and the state’s responsibility toward poverty alleviation. The legal implications of such integration include the establishment of lex specialis regulating zakat as a sharia fiscal instrument, harmonization with state finance laws, and the strengthening of institutional legitimacy and accountability in zakat management. Therefore, zakat holds significant potential to become a core pillar of Islamic economic law that supports economic equity and enhances national fiscal resilience.

Contemporary church ministry is often trapped in a seasonal pattern, with increased activity only during major events like Christmas and Easter, while stagnating at other times. This phenomenon indicates a fundamental problem in leadership patterns that are not poverty-oriented. This article analyzes the roots of seasonal church ministry through a qualitative-descriptive approach and theological reflection based on Osmer's framework. Literature reviews by Barna, Maxwell, Banks & Ledbetter, as well as the leadership principles of Jesus Christ, show that seasonality is eliminated by reactive leadership that lacks a long-term vision, minimal spiritual training, and a weak ministerial cadre system. As a solution, this article offers a sustainable leadership model that emphasizes a year-round discipleship vision, ministerial training and regeneration, systematic ministry evaluation, and the spiritual example of leaders. This model is believed to help churches experience stable growth, establish a consistent ministry rhythm, and present relevant evidence to the world. Thus, sustainable leadership is a strategic and theological approach to addressing seasonal ministry and strengthening the mission of the church today.

Baitul Maal wat Tamwil (BMT) is an Islamic microfinance institution that plays an essential role in expanding financial access for low-income communities and supporting sustainable economic development. This article aims to analyze the role of BMT as an inclusive monetary instrument within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study employs a library research approach with descriptive-analytical methods based on secondary data from books, academic journals, research reports, and official documents. The findings show that BMT significantly contributes to financial inclusion through real-sector-based Islamic financing, especially for micro-enterprises and low-income households. Moreover, BMT’s social function—realized through the management of zakat, infaq, and sadaqah—strengthens income redistribution, poverty alleviation, and community welfare. BMT supports several SDG targets, particularly in reducing poverty, creating decent employment, developing MSMEs, and minimizing socioeconomic inequality. However, the optimization of BMT’s role still faces challenges such as limited capital, governance constraints, digital transformation, and institutional strengthening. Therefore, synergy between BMT, the government, regulators, and the community is needed to enhance BMT’s contribution as an inclusive, sustainable, and Sharia-compliant economic development agent.

This study examines the strategic role of Islamic banking in expanding financial inclusion and alleviating poverty in Indonesia. Using a qualitative literature review methodology, this research analyzes academic literature, regulations, and official reports to identify the contributions, challenges, and optimization strategies of Islamic banking. Findings indicate that Islamic banking provides financing alternatives aligned with Islamic values through products such as mudharabah, musyarakah, and murabahah, enabling low-income communities to access capital without interest burdens. The management of Islamic social funds including zakat, infaq, sadaqah, and waqf strengthens social capital for micro-enterprise empowerment. However, significant barriers exist, including low Islamic financial literacy, limited access in remote areas, and suboptimal regulations. This study recommends enhancing financial literacy, developing technology-based inclusive products, strengthening supportive regulations, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration to optimize the role of Islamic banking as an instrument for inclusive and equitable economic development in Indonesia. The research contributes to the theoretical understanding of Islamic banking's potential in addressing financial exclusion and poverty while providing practical insights for policymakers and banking institutions.

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the Family Hope Program (PKH) in alleviating poverty, with a case study focus on Sei Jang Village, Tanjungpinang City. PKH is a social assistance program initiated by the government to improve the welfare of the poor through conditional cash assistance. The reason the researcher chose this title was to determine the extent to which PKH is effective in reducing poverty, especially since data shows a decline in the number of PKH recipients in Sei Jang Village in 2023. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method, where data is obtained through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation studies. To measure the level of effectiveness, the theory from (Makmur, 2015) was used, which states that the elements of effectiveness include accuracy in timing, accuracy in calculation, accuracy in measurement, accuracy in decision making, accuracy in thinking, accuracy in carrying out orders, accuracy in determining goals, and accuracy in targeting. The results of the study show that PKH has had a positive impact on reducing the economic burden on poor families, particularly in meeting the educational and health needs of children. However, the effectiveness of this program is still hampered by several factors, such as delays in fund disbursement, participants' lack of understanding of the program's terms and conditions, and minimal assistance from relevant officials. In addition, another challenge in the form of inaccuracy in targeting beneficiaries also affects the overall achievement of the program. These findings indicate that better management and supervision are urgently needed. This study concludes that although PKH contributes significantly to poverty alleviation, improvements in management and supervision are needed to maximize the program's objectives. The proposed recommendations include increasing the capacity of social workers, improving the beneficiary selection mechanism, and strengthening coordination among stakeholders at the local level.

This study aims to analyze the influence of the General Allocation Fund (DAU), the Special Allocation Fund (DAK), and the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) on the poverty rate in North Sumatra Province. The method used is multiple linear regression analysis using secondary data from 2004 to 2023. The results show that the DAU has a negative and significant effect on the poverty rate, meaning that the greater the DAU allocation, the lower the poverty rate in the province. Conversely, the DAK has a positive and significant effect on the poverty rate, indicating that an increase in DAK is actually followed by an increase in the poverty rate. Meanwhile, GRDP shows a negative effect on the poverty rate, but the effect is not significant. The coefficient of determination obtained shows that the DAU, DAK, and GRDP are able to explain variations in the poverty rate in North Sumatra Province. Simultaneously, the test results show that all three variables have a significant effect on the poverty rate. These findings suggest the importance of proper management of fund allocation and optimization of regional economic sectors to reduce poverty effectively.

Poverty reduction in Indonesia is supported by economic activity and social assistance programs, the government provides business capital loans so that people do not depend on social assistance. One of them is PNM Mekaar which aims to develop and empower MSMEs in order to improve the economy and improve the welfare of program implementers, namely underprivileged women. However, problems occur in the implementation of this program, such as use of business capital for personal needs and weekly installment bills without training for customers. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of capital provided by PNM Mekaar for socio-economic needs of families in Sitinjak, South Tapanuli. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods so researchers can better understand the problems that occur. Data collection techniques in is interviews, observation, literature study and documentation. The conclusion obtained from the results of this study is that business capital loans provided by PNM Mekaar are not effective in meeting the socio-economic needs of families. Effectiveness can be measured through following 5 indicators: 1). Indicators of program understanding which show that there are customers who do not know about the purpose of Mekaar, 2). Target accuracy shows that there are customers who are not classified as underprivileged, 3). Timeliness shows that there are customers who do not attend group meetings and are delinquent in weekly payment installments, 4). Achievement of goals shows that only customers who have a business that has increased income, the businesses run by customers are in the MSME and Agriculture sectors. 5). Real changes show that customers' personal financial management is not yet good. Meanwhile, the socio-economic needs of the family which include food, clothing, shelter, education, and health can be met even before becoming PNM Mekaar customers.

This community service program was implemented to strengthen the capacity of the SIJATI Business Group in managing oyster mushroom cultivation in Sait Buttu Saribu Village, Simalungun Regency. This activity was motivated by the group's great potential in oyster mushroom production, but still faces obstacles in production, marketing, and business management aspects. The method used was a participatory-collaborative approach through stages of socialization, training, mentoring, provision of modern production equipment, strengthening digital marketing, and business management coaching. The results of the activity showed a significant increase in the group's capacity. From a production aspect, the use of a stainless steel steamer machine and modern baglog racks increased time efficiency, saved energy, and doubled production capacity. From a marketing aspect, digital marketing training and collaboration with students as resellers expanded market reach, increased consumer interaction, and drove increased turnover. From a management aspect, digital-based financial records and assistance with business legality strengthened institutions and opened opportunities for access to capital. This program also had a social impact by increasing the economic contribution of housewives who were members of the group, thereby contributing to the welfare of the village community. Overall, strengthening the capacity of the SIJATI group aligns with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in poverty alleviation, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth. Therefore, this activity can serve as a model for empowering competitive and sustainable local commodity-based MSMEs.

This study aims to analyze the effect of the distribution of Zakat, Infak, and Sadaqah (ZIS) funds, economic growth, unemployment rate, and Regional Original Revenue (PAD) on the poverty rate in West Sumatra Province during the period 2020–2024. The data used are secondary data obtained from BAZNAS, BPS, and the Directorate General of Fiscal Balance (DJPK), covering 12 regencies/cities in West Sumatra Province. This study employs panel data regression analysis using EViews 12 software to examine the relationships among the variables. The results indicate that, partially, the distribution of ZIS funds and PAD have no significant effect on the poverty rate. In contrast, economic growth and unemployment rate have a negative and significant effect on the poverty rate. Simultaneously, all four independent variables are found to have a significant influence on the poverty rate. The coefficient of determination (Adjusted R²) is 0.123, indicating that 12.30% of the variation in the poverty rate can be explained by the variables in the study, while the remaining 87.7% is influenced by factors outside the model. The study provides policy implications suggesting that optimizing ZIS management, promoting inclusive economic growth, expanding employment opportunities to reduce unemployment, and utilizing PAD more effectively are crucial strategies for local governments and relevant institutions to effectively reduce the poverty rate in West Sumatra.

This study aims to analyze the contribution of the Amil Zakat, Infak, and Sedekah Institution of Nahdlatul Ulama in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (LAZISNU DIY) in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the optimization of Islamic social fund management. The main issue examined is how the strategies, program models, and implementation carried out by LAZISNU DIY can generate tangible impacts on community empowerment across various aspects of sustainable development. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach with data collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and institutional documentation. The findings reveal that LAZISNU DIY’s five core program pillars education, health, economy, environment, and humanitarian-da‘wah are systematically integrated with SDG targets. Concrete contributions are evident in poverty alleviation, improving access to and quality of education, providing inclusive health services, strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME)-based economic empowerment, and promoting participatory environmental conservation. Several innovations, such as strengthening the Zakat, Infak, and Sedekah Management Network (JPZIS), fostering strategic collaboration with pesantren and local communities, and implementing digitalization in the donation system, have significantly enhanced the effectiveness and outreach of the programs. The study affirms that LAZISNU DIY is not merely a zakat distribution institution but also a social change agent that emphasizes Islamic values and local wisdom in advancing sustainable development. Thus, LAZISNU DIY’s role is increasingly relevant in supporting the global SDG agenda while simultaneously reinforcing community social resilience at the local level. Recommendations are provided to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and establish an SDGs indicator-based evaluation system to ensure program objectives.

Indonesia, as one of the world’s megabiodiversity countries, possesses vast tropical forests rich in biodiversity and natural resources. Recognizing their ecological and socio-economic importance, the Indonesian government has introduced various forestry policies to preserve forest ecosystems and improve community welfare. One of the key strategies is decentralized forest management, designed to encourage participatory, inclusive, and locally contextual governance. This study adopts a literature review method, drawing from previous research, scientific articles, and relevant policy documents. The objective is to deepen the understanding of deforestation reduction ef-forts, particularly in the context of limited awareness regarding community activities that may harm both social life and environmental sustainability. The primary focus is on assessing the im-pacts of deforestation on socio-ecological resilience, with special attention to the effectiveness of decentralized forestry policies. Findings indicate that deforestation exerts significant and multi-faceted effects on resilience, especially in communities highly dependent on forests for livelihoods and living space. From an ecological perspective, deforestation contributes to biodiversity loss, degradation of ecosystem services, declining soil quality, and weakened ecosystem resilience against environmental change. Such ecological disruptions threaten environmental balance and increase the risks of disasters and natural resource crises, which can have long-lasting implications. Socially, deforestation can undermine local livelihoods, exacerbate poverty, and weaken traditional knowledge systems. These combined effects reduce a community’s capacity to adapt to environ-mental challenges. Therefore, strengthening forestry governance—particularly through decentral-ization and enhanced community participation—is essential to curb deforestation and safeguard socio-ecological sustainability at the local level. Effective implementation requires aligning policy frameworks with local needs, empowering community institutions, and ensuring equitable access to forest benefits.

This study aims to analyze the influence of domestic wastewater management and space utilization control on pests in river-equivalent areas in Lalat Regency. The main problem raised is the low effectiveness of environmental management in the corresponding area due to the increase in domestic activities and its weakness in spatial planning. The approach used is quantitative with multiple linear regression methods. Primary data were obtained through questionnaires to 200 respondents, and secondary data were obtained through documentation studies and field observations. The results of the analysis showed that simultaneously, the five independent variables (environmental management, space availability, community participation, government supervision, and environmental infrastructure) had a significant effect on the habitat in the corresponding area (p = 0.046). Partially, only waste management (p = 0.016) and community participation (p = 0.042) had a significant effect. A determination coefficient (R²) value of 7.5% indicates that the desires of a region are also influenced by other external factors. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the need to improve the household waste management system through the construction of communal WWTP and improve the quality of household septic tanks, as well as community empowerment through the establishment of environmental forums and sustainable sanitation education to support spatial control and poverty in commensurate areas.

The Law on State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) by the Indonesian House of Representatives on February 4, 2025 has been ratified, and then signed by President Prabowo Subianto on February 24, 2025, destroying the concept of who the state administrators are as regulated in Law Number 28 of 1999 concerning the Implementation of a Clean State Free from Corruption, Collusion, and Nepotism.Law No. 1 of 2025 concerning BUMN, places the directors, commissioners, and supervisors of the state-owned company not as state administrators. This means that the Corruption Eradication Commission or KPK can no longer handle law enforcement in BUMN if corruption occurs, except for the Police, Prosecutor's Office and BPK (supervision), as stated in Article 3X of Law No. 1 of 2025, which states that: "The Agency's organs and employees are not state administrators. It is emphasized again in Article 9G: Members of the Board of Directors, Board of Commissioners, and Supervisory Board of BUMN are not state administrators". Meanwhile, financial supervision is still carried out by the Audit Board as stated in Article 3K: Audit of the management and financial responsibility of the Agency is carried out by the Audit Board. Although in the KPK Law, it is stated in Article 11 paragraph (1) that: "In carrying out the duties as referred to in Article 6 letter e, the Corruption Eradication Commission has the authority to conduct investigations, inquiries, and prosecutions against Corruption Crimes that: a. involve law enforcement officers, State Administrators, and other people related to Corruption Crimes committed by law enforcement officers or State Administrators; and/or b. involve state losses of at least IDR 1,000,000,000.00 (one billion rupiah)".Therefore, the Law Order, the KPK must submit and obey to carry it out, because the Law (UU) functions as a basic or principal rule for organizing the state, regulating society, a tool to limit power, and as a means of social renewal. The Law also functions to regulate life in society, the nation, and the state and is expected to be able to resolve various problems that exist in society.In fact, the impact of corruption in BUMN is no joke. The destruction of economic growth, state and community income can be disrupted which results in direct state losses, but leads to the potential for increasing poverty and the loss of the government's safety net in the form of declining quality of public services and investor confidence in Indonesia, etc.

Slums are one of the biggest challenges in sustainable urban development. In the midst of the government's efforts to run a program to handle slum organizations, the issue of miscarriage after physical intervention often goes unnoticed. This study aims to stop the slum management program in Tegal Sari Mandala II Village, with a Mixed Methods approach that combines linear multiple quantitative regression analysis and a qualitative descriptive approach.The results show that community participation has a significant effect on poverty programs, while infra-structure quality has not shown a statistically strong relationship. Qualitative findings support these results, where residents feel more attached to the programs they have followed in the past. Meanwhile, a number of infrastructures that are not in accordance with needs are considered less effective in supporting sustainability. This study concludes that the desire of the program is not only determined by technical aspects, but also by social, institutional, and cultural factors that are intertwined. Strategic recommendations include strengthening participation, improving design based on local needs, and integration with spatial policies.

This study aims to test and analyze the influence of Leadership and Skills on Employee Performance with an understanding of Employee Job Satisfaction as a moderating variable in Brown Sugar MSMEs in Pegajahan Village, Deli Serdang. The urgency of this research is expected to provide benefits to the general public in terms of HR management in the business world, and especially the owners and employees of Brown Sugar MSMEs in Pegajahan Village, Deli Serdang. Where MSMEs are one of the means of improving the people's economic welfare and alleviating poverty. To be able to perform optimally, leadership knowledge and qualified skills are needed. To be able to improve company performance, it is necessary to pay attention to employee job satisfaction. This study uses an associative approach. The population in this study is all brown sugar MSMEs in Pegajahan Village, totaling 100 people. The sample used is a saturated sample of 100 people in Pegajahan Village MSMEs. Data collection uses observation and questionnaires. Data analysis uses a quantitative descriptive approach, using statistical analysis using the Author Model analysis test, Inner Model and Hypothesis Testing. Data processing using PLS (Partial Least Square) software. This study shows that Leadership and Work Skills have a significant effect on employee performance. Satisfaction is able to mediate the influence of Leadership and Work Skills on Employee Performance in Brown Sugar MSMEs in Pegajahan Village, Deli Serdang Regency. Leadership, Skills and Job Satisfaction affect Employee Performance with an R-Square value of 0.718. The variability of the Performance construct can be explained by the variability of the Leadership, Skills and Job Satisfaction constructs of 71.80%.