STEI SEBI's Master's Program in Sharia Philanthropy, in collaboration with Akademizi, is bridging the gap between theory and practice in zakat management. Students enrolled in this program not only gain knowledge of various theories, but are also equipped to manage zakat effectively, as they are mentored by lecturers who are also practitioners in the field of Sharia philanthropy.

"We are building a new set of professionals between the two poles. On one side, there are academics, observers and zakat experts who are unaware of the practical aspects of zakat management. On the other hand, there are zakat practitioners who lack theoretical knowledge. SEBI and the Akademizi institution have created the Master's Program in Sharia Philanthropy to bridge this gap," said Nana Sudiana, the Director of Akademizi, during the 20th Philanthropy Literacy Forum, "Strengthening the Benefits of Zakat Administrator Competence, A Bright Future for the Master's Program in Sharia Philanthropy," held on Thursday (8/7/2024).

Nana explained that the Master's Program in Sharia Philanthropy is aimed at developing educated and competent zakat administrators who can manage zakat in a scientific and academic manner that can be held accountable. "Currently, the largest number of zakat administrators are in Central Java. The task of Akademizi and SEBI is to ensure that administrators with scientific and professional capabilities are spread across Indonesia," she elaborated.

Zakat administrators enrolled in the Master's Program in Sharia Philanthropy at STEI SEBI possess the ability to write scientific papers. "Zakat administrators are also capable of developing various professional zakat programs that can be publicly accountable," she emphasized.

Agus Setiawan, the Chairman of the Sharia Supervisory Board of IZI, stated that zakat administrators are a noble profession, as mentioned in Surah At-Taubah, verse 60. "Therefore, zakat administrators need to have a strong foundation and competence in managing zakat," he explained.

Agus Setiawan said that good management is required for zakat administration, and that zakat administrators with a strong educational background are needed. The Master's Program in Sharia Philanthropy at STEI SEBI is a solution for zakat administrators to enhance their capabilities in zakat management.

Wildhan Dewayana, the President Director of IZI, expressed his congratulations on the launch of the Master's Program in Sharia Philanthropy at STEI SEBI, in collaboration with Akademizi. "This program can strengthen zakat administrators amidst the challenges faced by zakat institutions that are rapidly moving to address various problems in the community," he said.

Zakat administrators with academic capabilities can produce significant works that can benefit the community and the nation. "Zakat provides solutions to poverty and stunting, so qualified zakat administrators are needed. This Master's program enables zakat administrators to work better," he emphasized.

Sigit Pramono, the Chairman of STEI SEBI, stated that the improvement of zakat administrator competence is a necessity for zakat institutions to become more professional. "Islam will thrive through Islamic social finance by empowering and prosperizing people. The steps to achieve this are through education and human resource development," he explained.

Islamic social finance, consisting of zakat, infaq, sadaqah, waqf, and microfinance, can be a solution to problems in the community. "Hopefully, in the academic context, Indonesia will become a center for Islamic philanthropy," said Sigit.

Aziz Budi Setiawan, the Director of the Postgraduate Program at STEI SEBI, said that the Master's Program in Sharia Philanthropy targets the improvement of zakat administrator competence, including managerial skills in zakat management. "Strong zakat administrator human resources must go through formal education," he emphasized.

Agung Wicaksono, the Director of Laznas LMI, was unable to attend the event but sent a video message stating that zakat administrators must improve their competence to build professionalism and public trust in the competence of zakat institutions at any level.