BAZNAS Distributes Rp22 Billion in Scholarships for Palestinian Students
The National Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) of the Republic of Indonesia has distributed educational scholarships worth Rp22 billion for Palestinian students. The symbolic handover was conducted during the opening of the 8th Indonesian Muslim Congress (KUII) in 2026 at the Bidakara Hotel, Jakarta.
BAZNAS Chairman Dr. Ir. H. Sodik Mudjahid, M.Sc., stated that the scholarship assistance is part of the humanitarian funds specifically raised for Palestine. He confirmed that the total humanitarian funds collected for Palestine have reached Rp200 billion.
According to him, the funds reflect the concern and solidarity of the Indonesian people towards the Palestinian people, including support for the sustainability of education for the younger generation. “Among the allocations of these funds are scholarships for Palestinian students in Indonesia, where in the first phase, Rp22 billion has been allocated as a result of recruitment and guidance cooperation between BAZNAS, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology,” he explained in a written statement on Saturday (25/7/2026).
BAZNAS RI emphasised that the distribution of these scholarships uses humanitarian funds specifically raised for Palestine. He assured that the assistance does not utilise or reduce the allocation of Zakat, Infaq, and Sadaqah (ZIS) funds designated for BAZNAS programmes within Indonesia. “These funds are a mandate from the Indonesian people, which from the outset were intended for the Palestinian people. Thus, they do not reduce or utilise the ZIS fund allocation for BAZNAS programmes in Indonesia,” he stated.
In addition to educational programmes, BAZNAS RI has also coordinated with the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) regarding plans to distribute Palestinian humanitarian aid funds for physical infrastructure development in the region. He added that the concern and enthusiasm of the public, community organisations, and private institutions in channelling humanitarian donations for Palestine through BAZNAS RI continue to flow. “As of today, the public, organisations, and institutions helping Palestine remain very enthusiastic, and many are entrusting their donations to BAZNAS,” he said.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Dr. Amirsyah Tambunan, M.A., stated that the scholarship programme collaboration focuses on strengthening the capacity of Palestinian children amidst various limitations. He noted that improving human resources is a key factor in helping a nation facing a crisis to rise and stand equal with other countries. “As believers, we must be optimistic, never give up, and never despair, because Allah reminds us: ‘Do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are true believers.’ Thus, all challenges and trials must be faced in order to keep rising,” he concluded.