Baznas and CIDE Australia Explore Partnership to Build Muslim Centre in Sydney

Indonesia’s National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) and the Centre for Islamic Dakwah and Education (CIDE) are exploring opportunities for cooperation to build an Indonesian Muslim community centre in Sydney, Australia.

Baznas RI Director for Mobilisation and Collection, Rizaludin Kurniawan, said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday that fund mobilisation would be carried out through a transparent co-fundraising scheme that can be jointly monitored by both parties.

“If we can fundraise, whatever amount is collected can help this development,” he said.

Rizaludin said his agency has experience and a successful track record in managing thematic programme-based fund mobilisation with various humanitarian foundations.

He assessed that the partnership could optimise fund collection through the Baznas RI ecosystem, which has a wide donor reach from various circles. A Baznas Zakat Collection Unit (UPZ) in Australia is even expected to be formed in accordance with applicable regulations.

“Fundraising through Baznas’ official institutions will also guarantee legality, transparency, and a safer and more trustworthy publication reach. A UPZ could even be formed in Australia later,” said Rizaludin Kurniawan.

Meanwhile, CIDE Sydney board member Shaifurrokhman Mahfudz said his organisation plans to raise funds for the construction of an activity centre for the Indonesian Muslim community in Australia.

According to him, this step needs to be taken after the Indonesian Muslim community in Sydney has had to rent premises for the past nine years to facilitate various da’wah activities and diaspora community development.

Shaifurrokhman said the cooperation exploration initiative is aimed at realising a permanent place of worship while ensuring that the cross-border donation collection scheme complies with financial regulations in both Indonesia and Australia.

“So before we take steps there, we must first pay a visit to Baznas, to seek their views, input, and so on,” said Shaifurrokhman Mahfudz.