It’s a given (ha) by now, but we’re happy to report that Indonesians are once again the most generous people in the world, according to a survey.
Indonesians topped UK-based Charities Aid Foundation’s (CAF) annual World Giving Index for the fifth successive year in 2022.
The report, primarily based on data from the Gallup World Poll, surveyed respondents from 119 participating nations — representing approximately 90 percent of the world’s adult population — about their tendency to help a stranger, donate money, and volunteer time. The data was collected from 2021 until March. 31, 2022.
Indonesia ranked first with a score of 68 percent, comfortably ahead of second-placed Kenya (61 percent) and the US (59 percent) in third. The report said that during the data collection period, more than eight in 10 Indonesians donated money and more than six in ten volunteered time.
Rizal Algamar, Chairman of the Executive Board, Indonesia Philanthropy Association wrote this explainer about Indonesians’ philanthropic spirit in the report:
“Indonesia’s philanthropic culture of collective actions – or, as we call it, gotong royong – has always been evident within Indonesia, and it is a pleasure to see it being recognised for its strengths and sparking interest abroad as well.
Religious giving strongly influences Indonesia’s giving culture, with zakat driving the philanthropic work of many. Zakat defines giving to the vulnerable and needy as a religious duty for all Muslims who meet the necessary wealth criteria. This practice also applies to other religions in Indonesia. Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country and is home to 231 million Muslims.
The younger generations in Indonesia also have significant interest and support for charity and philanthropy activities. Young people are driving uptake of digital giving platforms, which help donation processes operate more quickly, safely, and easily. The growing private wealth of many Indonesians has likely also contributed to an observable increase in philanthropic activity across the country – not just in the capital city but also at the regional level from east to west. Indonesia’s philanthropic eco-system is also growing increasingly sophisticated and diverse with collaboration and collective action as its heart.”
As a general reminder that good people exist everywhere (that’s right, even outside Indonesia), the report said more people than ever donated money in 2021 despite a pandemic and economic hardship, more than 3 billion people helped a stranger, and participation and giving in high-income countries have bounced back to historic levels.
You can read the full report here.
