Amidst the challenges of poverty still faced by Indonesia, efforts to measure community welfare are no longer sufficient if they only consider economic aspects. IPB University encourages a more comprehensive approach through the CIBEST Model, introduced by Prof Irfan Syauqi Beik, Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM) IPB University.
“The CIBEST Model was born from the perspective of maqashid syariah (sharia objectives), measuring poverty and welfare that does not solely discuss the issue of fulfilling basic material needs, but also spiritual needs,” he explained during his Scientific Oration at IPB University on Saturday (1/24).
He added that the spiritual dimension in the CIBEST Model can strengthen the mental condition of individuals and families, thereby increasing mental resilience. The element of sharing integrated in this model is also considered capable of eroding materialistic lifestyles while strengthening social solidarity.
“With this spirit of sharing, the potential of zakat amounting to Rp327 trillion and cash waqf amounting to around Rp180 trillion can be further realised. If maximised, this will be a huge additional fund for national socio-economic development,” he said.
He continued that the CIBEST Model categorises households into four typologies, namely 1) prosperous households (materially and spiritually wealthy), 2) materially poor and spiritually wealthy, 2) materially wealthy and spiritually poor, and 4) absolutely poor (materially and spiritually poor).
From these typologies, four indices were developed, namely the welfare index, the material poverty index, the spiritual poverty index, and the absolute poverty index.
In the context of food price fluctuations and rising living costs, Prof. Irfan believes that the CIBEST model is able to provide a more comprehensive picture of poverty. He explained that the material poverty line in the CIBEST model uses the had kifayah standard (minimum living requirements), which covers seven basic needs, one of which is the fulfilment of minimum food requirements.
“Food price fluctuations greatly affect poverty levels when had kifayah is used as a reference. When the ability to meet these minimum needs is disrupted, the impact can be widespread, ranging from stunting to malnutrition,” he said.
Conversely, he also highlighted the issue of food waste. According to him, if a person’s spiritual condition is poor, people who have an abundance of food have the potential to create food waste. “So, the effects can be very broad. This is where the integration of material and spiritual dimensions in viewing poverty is important,” he added.
“The CIBEST model is not only an academic instrument but also a policy tool that can empirically prove that the management of zakat and waqf has a positive impact on reducing poverty.”
“This is IPB University’s contribution in presenting more humane and sustainable welfare solutions,” concluded Prof. Irfan. (Lp)
