(FEB NEWS) The East Java Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI)'s Community Fund Development and Philanthropy Commission (PDUF) held a strategic audience with the Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Airlangga. The main focus of the discussion was the implementation of trust funds as a sustainable funding instrument for social activities, particularly the development of Islamic boarding schools and mosques in East Java (April 6, 2026).

Deputy Chairman V of the East Java MUI, Mochamad Badowi, explained that the current harmonious relationship between the MUI and the government presents a real opportunity to initiate the project. The fundamental concept of a trust fund emphasizes safeguarding the principal assets so they are not depleted, with the sustainable use of the proceeds.

"The entrusted funds have not been exhausted, but they have been well managed," he said. The initial target is to manage one or two Islamic boarding school foundations and empower mosques in East Java.

In response to the plan, the Dean of FEB UNAIR and academics provided several critical recommendations. As host, Prof. Dr. Rudi Purwono, SE., M.SE. emphasized that the immediate step is to educate the public about the trust fund implementation process before the program is launched widely. "The immediate step is to educate the public and then implement the trust fund process. Then, when it is launched, there will be the potential for more people to contribute to the MUI trust fund program," he said.

Professor of FEB UNAIR Prof. Dr. Imron Mawardi, SP, M.Si., also highlighted the need to specify the institution's objectives to avoid overlap with other philanthropic institutions such as LAZ and Baznas. He cited the absence of a specific trust fund for educational scholarships in Indonesia, unlike Malaysia, which has established a similar institution under the central bank. Furthermore, the target market for fundraising must be clearly defined to avoid competition with existing institutions.

In conclusion, Novrys Suhardianto, Vice Dean 3 of FEB UNAIR, formulated four main points: objectives, target market, governance, and technical aspects. The academic team proposed drafting an academic paper to allow for more precise elaboration. The long-term agreement includes the involvement of undergraduate and doctoral students in discussion forums and the potential of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) as a final project examiner.