Baznas launches Balai Ternak to strengthen the economy of mustahik livestock farmers in Tegal

This programme is not merely economic assistance but empowerment of the community through the spirit of mutual cooperation. Hopefully this assistance can provide wide benefits and tangible economic impact. Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Zakat Agency (Baznas) of the Republic of Indonesia (Baznas RI) together with the Tegal Regency Government and UIN Walisongo Semarang launched the Balai Ternak programme as an effort to empower the community-based economy to drive transformation of mustahik into muzaki. The Balai Ternak inauguration took place at the Harapan Ternak Group’s cattle shed, Danawarih Village, Balapulang District, Tegal Regency, Central Java, Thursday (21 May). Baznas RI official in charge of Distribution, Utilisation, and Empowerment Idy Muzayyad, in Jakarta, on Friday said that the economic empowerment programme through Balai Ternak is expected to become a pathway for mustahik to transform into muzaki or at least become munfiq. “We want in the future such programmes in Tegal Regency to be expanded across various other areas,” said Idy. Idy expressed appreciation to the Tegal Regency Government and UIN Walisongo for their support and collaboration, enabling the Balai Ternak Tegal programme to be realised and to benefit local livestock farmers. Meanwhile, Regent Ischak Maulana Rohman welcomed the programme, which he said directly meets the economic needs of the community. He noted that the regional government is committed to supporting the programme’s sustainability through regulatory synergy and strengthening zakat. He hoped Danawarih Village can develop into a centre for producing superior livestock breeding stock and become an example of a successful Balai Ternak programme in other regions. “This programme is not merely economic assistance; it is community empowerment through the spirit of mutual aid. We hope this assistance can provide broad benefits and have a real economic impact,” Ischak said. UIN Walisongo Semarang Vice Rector III Akhmad Arif Junaidi expressed appreciation for the Balai Ternak Tegal programme, which is deemed monumental because it involves various aspects, from procurement of superior goats, feed innovations, to ongoing coaching for farmers. According to him, the programme is also a tangible form of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, especially in the field of community service. “Lecturers do not only teach or supervise dissertations, but are also required to conduct research in their field of study and engage in community service,” Akhmad said. The Balai Ternak Baznas in Tegal, belonging to the Harapan Ternak Group, involves 15 beneficiary farmers, with total livestock of 92 head, comprising 70 head of males (bucks), 21 head of females (does), and 1 head of an additional head. The Balai Ternak’s presence is hoped to strengthen the community-based farmer empowerment system, boost the productivity of livestock enterprises, and drive the sustainable economic independence of mustahik in Tegal Regency.