Baznas RI and Majalengka Regency Forge Synergy for Mosque-Based Economic Independence
The National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) and the Majalengka Regency government are exploring a strategic synergy to realise economic independence for mustahik by optimising mosque-based potential. The exploration was discussed during an audience with the Majalengka Regency government, which committed to synergising various empowerment programmes, particularly 13 priority programmes, at the Baznas RI office in Jakarta.
Baznas RI leader Sodik Mudjahid revealed that among the 13 existing priority programmes, the Baznas Microfinance Masjid (BMM) is the nearest programme ready for acceleration, as Majalengka is considered to have a very strong Zakat Collection Unit (UPZ) ecosystem reaching down to the Mosque Prosperity Council (DKM) level. “We clearly have 13 priority programmes for all of Indonesia, and if possible, Majalengka will later become a model, a national pilot model for people-based economic development centred on mosques,” Sodik explained, as quoted from an official statement on Tuesday.
Sodik is confident that the mosque-based empowerment programme will run optimally in improving the welfare of the people, supported by initial capital from Baznas and the opening of collaborative funding opportunities with other parties. “For capital, God willing, it is available, but the legality will be in the form of a cooperative later. So, ideally, every DKM should have a cooperative institution. This will be pioneered in Majalengka,” he said. He also expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude for the extraordinary support from the Majalengka Regency government in developing and facilitating Baznas in the region.
Meanwhile, Majalengka Regent Eman Suherman stated his full readiness to become a pioneer and national pilot model for the community economic empowerment programme initiated by Baznas RI. According to him, this readiness is a manifestation of the local government’s strong commitment to aligning its budget with Baznas RI’s strategic programmes. “If he (the Baznas Chairman) has a strategic programme that needs a pioneer, Majalengka is ready. So it’s not just about policy, but also budgetary support to create synergy,” he said.
On the other hand, the Chairman of Baznas Majalengka, Agus Asri Sabana, said that his region already has a highly mature and fully structured zakat ecosystem down to the grassroots level. “In other regions, UPZ may only exist at the village and sub-district levels, but in Majalengka, we have double UPZ, at the village and mosque levels. This is inseparable from the Regent’s encouragement, as he always supports religious activities,” he stated.