Baznas distributes sacrificial meat across 104 sites nationwide

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Zakat Agency (Baznas) of Indonesia has launched the ‘Blessed Sacrifice, Village Empowerment 2026’ programme, carried out simultaneously across 103 livestock centres in 15 provinces nationwide on Wednesday (27 May).

Baznas Chairman Sodik Mudjahid stated in Jakarta on Thursday that the programme is a commitment to use the sacrificial ritual as an economic empowerment tool for the Muslim community while strengthening rural welfare.

“Essentially, all Baznas programmes aim to empower communities. As the majority Muslim population in Indonesia, our economic contribution still needs strengthening,” he said.

Sodik noted that 3,359 local male livestock animals, managed directly by 2,089 trained farmers across various regions, were involved in the programme.

Beyond economic aspects, Sodik said the programme also aims to support food security and assist in meeting nutritional needs, particularly for underprivileged families, pregnant women, and children.

He also stressed that the programme is an active contribution by Baznas to strengthen a productive, self-reliant, and sustainable livestock ecosystem for the Muslim community.

“We hope this livestock-based empowerment programme will create self-reliant beneficiaries capable of improving their welfare,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kuningan Regent Dian Rachmat Yanuar expressed appreciation for Baznas, stating that the ‘Village Empowerment Sacrifice’ programme is highly relevant to Kuningan’s situation, which continues to face poverty and unemployment rates above the West Java average.

He added that the programme is not merely a religious ritual but also a tool for community empowerment to boost economic capacity.

“I believe this programme demonstrates how the sacrificial ritual can have social and economic impact. I am optimistic that through Baznas’s professional handling of sacrifices, Kuningan will become more prosperous, Insha’Allah,” said Dian Rachmat Yanuar.