{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1794126,
        "msgid": "online-giving-remains-low-baznas-says-it-is-not-a-setback-1781020658",
        "date": "2026-06-09 22:02:24",
        "title": "Online Giving Remains Low, Baznas Says It Is Not a Setback",
        "author": "Muhammad Hafil",
        "source": "REPUBLIKA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "Indonesia's National Alms Agency (Baznas) has stated that the low uptake of digital platforms for almsgiving reflects a sociological preference for direct, emotional interaction rather than a failure of modernisation. Deputy Chairman Zainut Tauhid Sa'adi noted that many Muslims find greater spiritual satisfaction in face-to-face giving, though he conceded that concerns over digital transparency remain a significant challenge. Baznas is now working to blend technological convenience with the traditional warmth of direct philanthropy to build trust.",
        "content": "<p>JAKARTA \u2014 The National Alms Agency (Baznas) has assessed that the\nstill low use of digital platforms for giving alms is not a setback. On\nthe contrary, the phenomenon mirrors the sociological reality of\nIndonesian Muslim society, which still views almsgiving as a spiritual\nexperience laden with emotional closeness. Deputy Chairman of Baznas RI,\nZainut Tauhid Sa\u2019adi, stated that the majority of Muslims in Indonesia\ndo not merely transfer funds when giving alms; they also wish to feel\ninner happiness through direct interaction with the beneficiaries. \u201cAs a\nleader of the National Alms Agency, we see these data and phenomena not\nas a setback, but as a sociological reality as well as a major challenge\nfor amil zakat institutions in this digital era,\u201d Zainut said when\ncontacted on Tuesday. According to him, there is an emotional bond that\nmakes people feel more satisfied when they can witness directly the\nhappy smiles of mustahik, or beneficiaries. Furthermore, the direct\nencounter between giver and receiver also provides a sense of certainty\nregarding the validity of the alms handover contract from a fiqh\nperspective. On the other hand, Zainut acknowledged that the low\nutilisation of digital channels also serves as an evaluation for zakat\nmanagement institutions. He noted that trust issues persist, causing\npeople to doubt whether funds distributed online actually reach those\nentitled to receive them. \u201cThis 95 per cent figure is an evaluation for\nus that the Islamic philanthropic digital ecosystem still faces major\nchallenges in terms of transparency and accountability. The public is\nstill worried about whether the money they click on their phone screens\ntruly reaches the rightful hands,\u201d he said. Consequently, Baznas is\ncommitted to strengthening the transparency and accountability of\ndigital services. Zainut stated that the agency will continue to audit\ndigital systems and present more transparent, real-time, and\npersonalised distribution reports for muzaki. He added that Baznas will\nalso not rigidly enforce digital transformation. The strategy pursued is\nto blend technological convenience with the warmth of direct interaction\nthat has long been an integral part of Islamic philanthropic\nculture.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/online-giving-remains-low-baznas-says-it-is-not-a-setback-1781020658",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}