Masyarakat Madani Indonesia

FRIENDS OF INDONESIA CLUB

Social Changes without social conflict

Background.

At the end of 2008, a global financial crisis hit many countries. Lehman Brothers, a giant company felt down and the owner Bernard Madhoff was sentenced for 150 years in jail. Barack Obama said that the crisis was caused by a few people. He then asked the rise of social entrepreneur to solve problem of social economy. And during his special speech to the Muslim world in Cairo, he said that he encouraged Muslim in United states to pay for zakat with intervention of the state. One year later the winner of economic Noble prize was given to two researchers (Oliver Williamson and Elinor Storm) who concluded that social organization could act better and able to survive and reliable to solve economic crisis.

Slowly but sure, it seems that human-being will return to God economic system which were taught by the prophets. Types of contribution such as donation, charity, sedekah, zakat infaq are typical source of fund which can be promoted to be managed professionally to give economic balance between the haves and the have-nots.

Without distinguishing background of religion/faith, political ideology, race, ethnics, the human-being are simply divided into those two groups. And when the followers of religion are ready to do their religion teachings in philanthropy and charity and follow their instinct to do good deeds, the we can expect to create alternate socio-economic system for all.

An alternative for the marginalized communities

When the government can not bring welfare yet to its citizen, then it is the time that the Civil Society organizations took the initiative. Friends of Indonesia Club are really keen to promote spirit of helping among people of Indonesia by encouraging the habit of “giving to the poor”. It is because God-laws should be obeyed more than the man-made laws. God- laws in social and economy justice was known by each religion. Hinduism familiar with the term the yadnya, datria datriun and danapatra. Buddhism, familiar with the term and concept of sutta nipata, Confucian, familiar to the payment of two tenth. Jews, familiar with ma’ser or masartu and tithe. Christian familiar with ten-percent charity, collecte, et. While Islam familiar to the term of Zakat, infaq or sedekah. We named it as “donation” or “contribution” which are given when we get income or profit from business. Similarly to the tax taken by the government. However, secular government take this practices for their needs, while God instruct this to feed and help the poor.

Baitulmaal as a refference

We have no doubt in take good sample of social-economic welfare system developed 14 centuries ago by prophet Muhammad and the Caliphs Abu Bakar, Omar bin Khattab and Omar bin Abdul Aziz, during which all Muslim and non-Muslim, lives in harmony, secured and prosper by the operation of a Baitulmaal (the House of Community Wealth). By participating in the FoI Club you will follow your own religion teaching as all religion asked its followers to give to the poor. We encourage cooperation in charity and generosity among followers of the religions (only in social-economic aspect, not in ritual acts). This will create harmony among human-being.

Vision

Welfare for all people can be created when “the have-s help the have-nots” in systematic, regular and sustainable ways, by obeying the religion teachings.

Mission

• Help reducing poverty to achieve the MDGS target
• Building harmony among people of different background
• Encouraging alternative system of welfare based on consciousness of social relation among people.
• To encourage local wisdom such as helping each other.

Goal and Objectives

To achieve social and economic justice for all communities in specific area.

PROGRAM

1. Assistance on consumptive for orphan and elder people

2. Emergency assistance such as medical treatment and assistance during emergency/disaster.

3. Scholarship to the poor children

4. Training and internship for the young people.

5. Access to seed of capital and interest-free loan.

6. Access for risk-sharing and join ventures.

7. Assistance in improving health

8. Assistance for public infrastructure such as clean water, sanitation and settlement environment

How you can involved

FoI involved people who concern to problem of poverty. And since it is operated in specific area by promoting spirit of competitiveness among area of domiciled communities, so we can expect great changes in each area. This can be achieved since we give responsibility and obligation to the haves to help have-nots within their own area.

How you can be sponsor and member of FI Club

1. Give your share for premium donation as an endowment for promoting this system by donating US$ 6.00 (six dollar) or Rp 50,000 to Account No 900.46842.99 at Bank Muamalat Indonesia on behalf of Pro-Z Friends of Indonesia

2. Making regular donation (monthly) to the nearest Friends of Indonesia program agent in your area. You can be a program Agent.

Why this program interesting to all people?

Because the program is designed in different way! So far, most of people donate to a foundation or charity because of their social awareness or due to religious consideration. The numbers are so small. With our system, social activities are implemented through business approach which will also benefit to the donors. FoI activities are for social objectives but managed through business principle. When someone give donation they will get something as rewards. On the other hands, the program will only help the poor who are really willing to help themselves. FoI will not help the poor who are lazy and act as beggars.

Rewards to the sponsors and routine donors to FI Club

1. Life and accident insurance

2. Discount at partner merchants

3. Interest free loan and free guarantee (in emergency) with specific requirement.

4. Debt conversion from “interest” to “non-interest”.

5. Investment program (optional)

6. Opportunity to get support for hajj payment down-payment scheme and free umrah.

These program are made possible through co-branding and co-management with our program partner. With the scheme, the program can easily be offered to the candidates of donors and operate the program in dignity.

Opportunity for you !

Country and Provincial Program Initiator

Personal criteria

• Having spirit on social entrepreneurship
• Fluency in English and or Arab language
• Implement program under guideline of Friends of Indonesia’s Standard of Operational procedure.
• Honest, reliable and committed to community empowerment
• Be universal and understanding inter faith, ethnics, sectarian

We will empower the community by giving responsibility to operate the program independently. We will choose the best person based on recommendation and advice from the community. If you know someone with the above criteria please let us know. Or if you feel you are the right person we are looking for please send us CV to : friendsofindoclub@gmail.com