Alms collection substantially drops<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The value of Islamic alms given this year is
\nexpected to drop substantially as a result of the prolonged
\neconomic crisis, according to an executive from the Jakarta
\noffice of Bazis, the board which oversees collection of the
\ncharitable donations.<\/p>\n
Abdul Shomad Muin, who heads the office, said yesterday that
\nalms collected so far this year had not yet exceeded Rp 1 billion
\n(US$86,206).<\/p>\n
By comparison last year's collection reached Rp 10.9 billion,
\nup from Rp 8.9 billion in 1996, he said.<\/p>\n
\"The drop has possibly been caused by the crisis, which has
\nimpaired people's willingness and ability to make charitable
\ndonations,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Muin made the statements in a meeting on collecting and
\ndistributing alms with the Coordinating Minister for People's
\nWelfare and Poverty Eradication, Haryono Suyono, and the city's
\nDeputy Governor for social welfare affairs, Djailani.<\/p>\n
Djailani said that only 10 percent of the capital's 9.6
\nmillion population regularly give alms through Bazis.<\/p>\n
\"Many people still think that giving alms is an activity done
\nonly in conjunction with celebrations to mark the Moslem holiday
\nof Idul Fitri,\" he said.<\/p>\n
This year the capital actually has the potential to generate
\nbetween Rp 100 billion and Rp 150 billion through the collection
\nof alms from its inhabitants, he added.<\/p>\n
The board usually gives 60 percent of the total alms collected
\nto small-scale Moslem entrepreneurs, a further 10 percent is used
\nto provide scholarships for poor students, 10 percent is donated
\nto slum inhabitants, 10 percent is used to renovate mosques and
\nthe remaining 10 percent is used to help the victims of natural
\ndisasters. (cst)<\/p>",
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"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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