PADANG, WEST SUMATRA —-— Dompet Dhuafa, represented by its Chairman, Ahmad Juwaini, along with the management team, together with the West Sumatra Provincial Government, the Padang City Government, the Baitul Maal wat Tamwil (BMT) network, and representatives from the Rector’s Office of Andalas University, reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the West Sumatra Governor’s Palace on Tuesday (May 5, 2026).
The agreement was signed directly by Ahmad Juwaini, Chairman of the Dompet Dhuafa Board of Directors, and Mahyeldi Ansharullah, Governor of West Sumatra, alongside representatives from the BMT network and Andalas University. Additionally, Dompet Dhuafa extended its cooperation with the West Sumatra Provincial Government and the City Government of Padang in efforts to alleviate poverty.
As a concrete solution to restore the economy of survivors of the 2025 hydrometeorological disaster, Dompet Dhuafa moved quickly to launch the MUFAKAT Program (Useful Business Capital for the Community). This program serves as a catalyst for synergy between empowerment institutions, sharia cooperatives, the government, and educational institutions in building sustainable economic independence for the community.
Ahmad Juwaini explained that, in general, this collaboration encompasses five main pillars: Education, Health, Da’wah, Economy, and Social & Humanitarian Affairs. However, in response to the post-disaster urgency in Sumatra in 2025, Dompet Dhuafa is placing a special focus on economic empowerment for affected MSMEs.
“Through collaboration across these five pillars, we aim to enhance the quality of assistance in West Sumatra. Specifically, together with the Provincial Government, City Government, BMTs, and academics—who are the implementers of Dompet Dhuafa’s economic empowerment program in partnership with Andalas University and several BMTs collaborating on the MUFAKAT program—we are providing aid to disaster survivors as a concrete step toward revitalizing SMEs. “This is business assistance provided without any margin or interest for the survivors,” explained Ahmad.
He also emphasized that although Dompet Dhuafa, through its Disaster Management Center (DMC), has been present since the emergency response phase, long-term recovery through economic self-reliance is now the top priority.
“Disasters do indeed leave sorrow, but we must see the spirit of revival. The MUFAKAT program is tangible support so that survivors can regain their independence and dignity. We want them not only to recover but to be able to help others again through a strong sharia microfinance ecosystem,” he added.
The Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi Ansharullah, expressed his deep appreciation for this initiative. He recalled how Dompet Dhuafa has consistently been present in West Sumatra since the 1990s during earthquakes and floods.
“I think everyone is familiar with Dompet Dhuafa’s work in West Sumatra, as well as nationwide. I immediately recall a few years ago when there was an earthquake, and later when there were floods and landslides. I also know that Dompet Dhuafa provides scholarships, healthcare services, and many other forms of assistance. This collaboration is aimed at helping the communities affected by the recent floods and landslides. It is crucial as a collective effort to support disaster-affected communities in their recovery,” Mahyeldi stated in his remarks.
To conclude the series of activities, Ahmad Juwaini also presented the photo book “BINGKAS,” a collection of works by Dompet Dhuafa photographers that documents the response to recent hydrometeorological disasters in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh. West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi enthusiastically flipped through the pages of the book. He even took the time to view several photographs from the “BINGKAS” book on display in the Governor’s Palace lobby.
“I appreciate that this book serves as tangible evidence of Dompet Dhuafa’s efforts in disaster management and recovery. Thus, the documentation in the book serves as tangible proof of Dompet Dhuafa’s efforts to assist the community, especially those affected. The existence of this book makes it very transparent how social funds are managed by Dompet Dhuafa,” he said. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika, Taufan
Editor: Dedi Fadlil