In 1993, Parni Hadi, editor-in-chief of the Indonesian newspaper Republika, started a modest zakat collection drive among the newspaper employees, that later expanded to include the paper’s readers and the general public.
With a strong sense of purpose, DOMPET DHUAFA sought to transform traditional zakat philanthropy for the poor from simple charity to empowerment so that the poor could move from being dependent recipients of alms towards becoming wealth creators, and eventually contributors of alms themselves.
DOMPET DHUAFA has grown phenomenally to become the largest philanthropic organization in Indonesia today, in terms of donations received.
The RMAF board of trustees recognizes the organization and its leaders for redefining the landscape of zakat-based philanthropy in Indonesia, unleashing the potential of the Islamic faith to uplift, irrespective of their creed, the lives of millions.
