Visiting the Madina Zone: Sensei Sugimoto Impressed on the First Day of the Da’wah Tour in Indonesia

26 June 2026, 18:31

Eight people standing in a row on a grassy lawn, giving thumbs up in front of a modern building with a domed roof and trees nearby.

BOGOR —-— A warm atmosphere prevailed on Friday morning (26 June 2026) as the Dompet Dhuafa team welcomed Dr Kyoichiro Sugimoto, PhD, accompanied by his wife, to the Dompet Dhuafa Zona Madina integrated complex. That day marked the first day of the Da’i’s and Islamic educator’s Da’wah Tour in Indonesia—known as Sensei Sugimoto—which is scheduled to run until 12 July 2026.

Amidst the lush tropical vegetation in this area—which has flourished through the management of zakat, infaq, sadaqah and waqf (Ziswaf)—the Chairman of the Chiba Islamic Cultural Centre & Japan Islamic Alliance, who is also a translator of the Qur’an into Japanese, was filled with a sense of wonder. Sensei Sugimoto is no stranger to the world of da’wah. For more than 10 years, he has dedicated his life to spreading the message of Islam in Japan.

A group of people walking along a curved paved path in a green park next to a colorful mural-covered kiosk, with trees, a palm tree, and a metal railing nearby.

Two people in head coverings compare coffee bags in front of a cafe sign that reads MAD COFFEE/Cafe & Roastery as they chat outside.

A group of four people walking along a path outside a brick building on a sunny day, surrounded by trees and greenery.

Five adults in a wooden-room workshop; a man in a gray shirt and cap gestures as others listen, two holding snacks in the background.

In the Madina Zone, Sensei Sugimoto witnessed first-hand how the Ziswaf funds managed by Dompet Dhuafa are not merely charitable aid, but have evolved into a self-sustaining empowerment ecosystem that restores human dignity.

This integrated complex incorporates five key pillars that left Sensei Sugimoto deeply impressed. These include the Madina Zone (Dakwah), Kopi Masyarakat Berdaya/MADAYA, the MSME Centre, and Teras Madina (Economy); the Kampung Djampang Silat Training Hall (Social-Cultural); the Integrated Healthy Home Hospital (Health); and the STIM Budi Bakti Campus as well as the SMART Ekselensia Indonesia School (Education).

“I am amazed and deeply inspired to see how the community’s funds (Ziswaf) can be managed in such a way, integrating all aspects of life from worship, health and the economy to education. This is a truly fascinating approach to da’wah that touches on so many areas,” said Sensei Sugimoto during his visit.

Two men sparring in a room as onlookers watch, with trophies displayed in the background and a clock on the wall.

Group of men in casual and traditional attire talk outside a cafe while a woman in a hijab and patterned dress holds a brochure and listens to a man.

Group of seven people posing in front of a black wall with 'KAMPUS BUDI BAKTI' in gold and campus logos above.

Earlier on Thursday (25 June 2026), Sensei Sugimoto first visited Dompet Dhuafa’s head office at the Philanthropy Building in South Jakarta. The Japanese convert was warmly welcomed by the Chair of Dompet Dhuafa’s Board of Trustees and the organisation’s management team. Dompet Dhuafa welcomed this vision for overseas da’wah as a collaborative effort to address the challenges of global da’wah.

Through this series of visits, beginning at the Philanthropy Building and continuing to Zona Madina, it is hoped that the synergy between Dompet Dhuafa and Sensei Kyoichiro Sugimoto will grow even stronger. It is hoped that future strategic collaboration will give rise to innovative programmes capable of broadening educational horizons, strengthening international da’wah, and nurturing a generation of young Muslims who will make a positive impact on the world.

Group of people walking along a covered walkway, some wearing traditional attire and headscarves.

Group of people in a lobby looking up at a large wall-mounted plaque listing many names.

Five adults pose outside a green health center with a sign that reads 'Rumah Sehat Terpadu' and wheelchairs nearby.

Let us make our wealth a testament to the defence of the faith of the younger generation of Muslims abroad, including in Japan. Channel an unending stream of reward through ongoing charitable donations to establish the Al-Muttaqin Mosque in Chiba via Establish a Permanent Mosque for Muslims in Chiba, Japan. (Dompet Dhuafa)

Text and photos: Dhika

Editor: Dedi Fadlil