yayasan

Yayasan is a legal form of nonprofit organization in Indonesia established to manage assets or endowments for religious, educational, social, humanitarian, or cultural purposes. A yayasan is created through an akta pendirian yayasan (deed of establishment) drawn up by a notary and then registered with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights to obtain legal personality. The foundation's purpose, scope of activities, and governance are defined in its anggaran dasar (articles of association) and anggaran rumah tangga (bylaws).

Formation and capital determine the foundation's foundation life. The founders contribute an initial endowment or modal dasar, which funds the yayasan's activities. Profits or surplus generated by the foundation must be reinvested in its programs and cannot be distributed to individuals, including founders or supporters, in accordance with its charitable purpose.

Governance typically includes several organs. The pengurus (board of management) administers day-to-day operations and assets in line with the anggaran dasar and anggaran rumah tangga. Some yayasan structures may also include a pembina (advisory board) and/or pengawas (supervisory board), depending on the provisions of the statutes. Regular reporting and financial management are expected, with annual financial statements prepared for internal use and, where applicable, for regulatory or public disclosure.

Activities and scope cover a wide range of public-benefit work. Yayasan may run educational institutions, provide scholarships, offer health and social services, support religious or cultural programs, and manage properties or endowment funds. They may engage in fundraising and grant-making, subject to applicable tax rules and governance requirements.

Regulation and oversight come under Indonesian law, notably the Law on Foundations (Undang-Undang Nomor 16 Tahun 2001). Foundations must comply with governance standards, reporting obligations, and rules governing the use of assets to ensure accountability and alignment with their stated charitable purposes.