Baznas Distributes Zakat Al-Fitr Rice to Rob Flood-Affected Residents

Baznas moved swiftly to distribute zakat al-Fitr rice to residents affected by the Rob floods along the coastal belt of Bekasi Regency, West Java. The distribution focused on two points: Pondok Dua (Pantai Harapan Jaya Village) and Muara Beting (Pantai Bahagia Village), Muara Gembong District. In total, 200 packages of zakat al-Fitr rice were distributed, with 100 packages at each location, providing relief after three months of Rob flooding and logistics difficulties.

Saidah Sakwan, head of Distribution and Utilisation at Baznas RI, said the distribution reflects Baznas’s commitment to ensuring that zakat al-Fitr entrusted to muzaki reaches the mustahik, especially in hard-to-reach areas. “Baznas strives to be present in communities facing hardship, namely the prolonged Rob floods and economic challenges during Ramadan. We hope this zakat al-Fitr rice assistance can ease family food burdens, allowing residents to observe fasting with more peace even in difficult circumstances,” she said in a written statement on Thursday (5/3).

The situation on the ground is indeed dire. Watiah, a resident of Pantai Harapan Jaya, said her village has been isolated by Rob floods for nearly three months.

“Because of Rob floods for nearly three months, my feet [have] been affected by water fleas, and during that time no aid had arrived. Alhamdulillah today we received zakat al-Fitr rice from Baznas. In the current situation we really need this aid. Thank you, Baznas,” Watiah said emotionally.

Tambrun (65), a bidak fisherman living in a small shack with his wife who suffers from a brain tumour, said with an income that fluctuates between Rp30,000–Rp50,000 per fishing trip, the aid is highly meaningful.

“Usually that money is used to buy rice. Alhamdulillah with Baznas’s help I feel very helped,” he said.

Nursan, an activist with the Kebaya Bahagia Berkarya (Kebaya) group, noted that the floods have paralysed economic activity in coastal communities. “Fishermen cannot focus on fishing because they must repair their homes, and the west wind makes fishing dangerous. If they do not fish, they have no income. The rice aid at least eases the burden on residents here,” he explained. (E-3)

Nationwide, zakat management in 2025 was recorded as lifting 302,994 people out of poverty.