Baznas Has a Roadmap to Face Global Communication Challenges

Hariqo Wibawa Satria, a Senior Expert from the Indonesian Government’s Communication Agency, stated that the National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) possesses a clear roadmap amid global communication challenges. He noted that, according to the Global Risks Report 2025, disinformation and misinformation have become major threats worldwide.

“Fake news spreads around the world before corrections even get their shoes on. Therefore, Baznas’s efforts to address this through regular meetings with journalists, accepting criticism, and featuring our brothers and sisters as beneficiaries deserve appreciation. It’s not easy, but Baznas already has a clear communication map; it just needs to strengthen its team,” Hariqo said.

This was conveyed during the Z-Talk event titled ‘Zakat Strengthening Indonesia Through Mass Media & Silaturahmi Forum Matraman’ at the Baznas RI Building in East Jakarta on Monday (16/3). Z-Talk is one of the face-to-face activities between Baznas leaders and media practitioners and leaders. This agenda serves as a forum to enhance communication and coordination between Baznas leaders and media personnel, while also boosting motivation and work productivity.

Hariqo also appreciated Baznas’s steps to strengthen zakat literacy and correct various disinformation by increasing public participation through various competitions. This is crucial for maintaining trust.

He added that strengthening communication is essential to correct various misleading information circulating in society, including issues about the use of zakat funds that are often misunderstood.

Furthermore, he assessed that public trust in zakat management institutions must be continuously maintained through transparency and strong publications. According to him, the public will be more encouraged to give zakat when they directly know the benefits received by the mustahik.

“Stories from the beneficiaries are very important to feature in the media. Their voices serve as evidence of how zakat helps people’s lives,” he said.

Hariqo also emphasised three main P indicators in public communication: good programme implementation, high public participation, and broad publication and documentation. These three aspects are key factors in strengthening the impact of social programmes on society.