Auditorium of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta, SPs NEWS - The Graduate School (SPs) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held the 2837th Thesis Exam at the Auditorium Room of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta on Friday, August 21, 2026 with candidate Erick Agung Pamungkas.

Erick is a scholarship recipient of the BAZNAS RI scholarship program for the Master of Islamic Studies program with a concentration in Islamic Philanthropy, his thesis is entitled "Islamic Philanthropy Social Business Model in Integrated Empowerment Areas: A Case Study of the Madina Dompet Dhuafa Zone".

This study dissects how the Madina Dompet Dhuafa Zone manages an integrated empowerment area using  the Business Model for Social Enterprise approach. Erick specifically researched how the Madina Zone balances the mission of social empowerment and economic independence. This balance is the main key to ensuring the sustainability of institutional services in the long term.

To unravel these dynamics, this study relies on an in-depth case study method. Field data was collected through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies involving area managers and various empowerment actors involved.

The results of the study revealed that the social and business model of the Madina Zone was specifically designed to alleviate multidimensional poverty. The Madina Zone has succeeded in integrating five empowerment services at once in one area, namely the health, economy, education, da'wah, and social sectors, which are supported by multi-actor collaboration, ZISWAF funds, and productive economic activities.

One thing that attracts attention in the aspect  of economic value proposition is the success of the Madina Zone in positioning its area as a Family-Friendly Area. This branding strategy has proven effective in embracing the Muslim middle-class segment of society through a series of recreational activities, culinary, religious activities, and community forums.

This creative approach has had a wide impact on expanding the customer base beyond traditional donors. The presence of visitors and transactions from this new segment is a source of self-funding that supports the region's financial sustainability while supporting ongoing social missions.

Erick's findings confirm that the Madina Zone is clear evidence of a shift in Islamic philanthropy, from a sectoral one to a much more integrated and strategic model. This development-oriented approach relies not only on the kindness of donors, but also on modern managerial structures and sound business practices.

Although it offers a robust model, this study does not turn a blind eye to the challenges in the field. The management of an area as large as the Madina Zone still faces obstacles in terms of coordination, data integration between units, and the continuity of cooperation between empowerment actors so that it continues to run in the same beat.

Overall, this study argues that integrated empowerment areas are much more effective in addressing the root causes of poverty than partial empowerment models. This finding also strengthens the view of philanthropic expert Hilman Latief (2013) who emphasizes the importance of Islamic philanthropic institutions adopting a broad development perspective in order to respond to multidimensional poverty in Indonesia.

Erick successfully defended his thesis under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Zulkifli, MA and Hamdani, M.Ag, Ph.D, and was tested in front of a board of examiners consisting of Prof. Dr. Yusuf Rahman, MA, Prof. Dr. Zulkifli, MA, Hamdani, M.Ag, Ph.D, Prof. Arif Zamhari, M.Ag, Ph.D, Dr. Fuad Jabali, MA.

After paying attention to the thesis writing, the comments of the examiner team and the candidate's answers, the examiner team determined that Erick graduated with the title of Cum Laude. Erick Agung Pamungkas is the 2837th Master in the field of Islamic Studies, in the Master's program of the Graduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. (Jay A)