Baznas Releases 20 Free Exodus Buses, 1,000 Beneficiaries Return to Central and East Java
The National Amil Zakat Board (Baznas) of Indonesia has officially launched the departure of 20 bus fleets under the “Happy Exodus with Baznas” programme in Jakarta on Monday, 16 March. The programme facilitates 1,000 beneficiaries to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri in their hometowns.
The fleet deployment was centralised at Istiqlal Mosque with primary destinations across Central Java and East Java. The programme targets economically vulnerable population groups, including mosque staff, Quranic teachers, Islamic school teachers, students, and street traders.
Baznas Chairman Sodik Mudjahid emphasised that this programme is not merely a transportation assistance initiative, but forms part of the organisation’s religious and national duty to strengthen bonds of kinship amongst Indonesians.
Sodik explained that in addition to providing free bus facilities for 1,000 participants, Baznas also equips travellers with health services, communal breaking of fast meals, and food parcels to bring home as provisions for celebrating Eid in their villages.
“This exodus is important for all of you to return to your villages, serve your parents, and maintain familial ties. Perform acts of charity in your hometowns and utilise the provisions available to shop locally to help boost the local economy,” Sodik said whilst releasing the bus fleet.
Sodik further explained that in addition to alleviating economic hardship, the use of bus transportation aims to minimise road traffic accidents, particularly for travellers accustomed to using motorcycles for long-distance journeys. This free exodus programme will certainly save significant travel costs, especially during the festive season.
According to him, the programme serving more than 20 destinations across Central and East Java is realised through close collaboration between Baznas and various private sector and Islamic banking partners. Baznas has also signalled positive intentions to expand the programme’s reach in the coming year, with plans to extend routes to Sumatra.
“We offer our deepest gratitude to all supporting partners, from banking to retail sectors, and to all volunteers who work with utmost sincerity. With the invocation of Bismillahi majreha wa mursaha inna rabbi laghafururrahim, I hereby officially launch the Happy Exodus with Baznas programme,” he said whilst offering prayers for the travellers’ journey.
Baznas also extended thanks to partners supporting the programme, namely Alfamart Daily Charity, BSI Maslahat, BCA, Smartfinance, and Akulaku, as well as to all donors.