Baznas RI collaborates with Kemendes to integrate zakat for village welfare

Integration of empowerment programmes such as UPZ Desa serves as a strategic step to bolster the economic independence of rural communities through targeted management of philanthropic funds. Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Zakat Collection Agency (Baznas) RI and the Ministry of Villages and Underdeveloped Regions (Kemendes PDT) have agreed to strengthen rural economic ecosystems through the integration of zakat management programmes targeting thousands of villages across Indonesia. “For the pilot, we already have a role model ‘zakat village’ in Ciamis where the community has high zakat awareness, and that area will become one of our main references. In addition to Ciamis, in the near future we project Serang Regency as the next development area to strengthen the strategic collaboration between Baznas and Kemendes,” said Baznas RI Chairman Sodik Mudjahid in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday. Sodik outlined various collaborative programmes to be implemented, such as the establishment of Village Zakat Collection Units (UPZ Desa). This step is considered the most crucial strategy to optimise the potential of zakat directly from the smallest environment. In addition, there is collaboration touching the productive sector, such as village livestock development through the Baznas Livestock Centre programme and strengthening the economy of residents through synergy with cooperatives at the village level. “One of the most strategic from Baznas is the establishment of UPZ Desa. That’s the concern or strategy of Baznas together with the Minister of Villages today to collaborate on programmes such as livestock centres and village cooperatives so they can be empowered in the villages,” said Sodik Mudjahid. Meanwhile, Minister of Villages PDT Yandri Susanto expressed high appreciation for the collaborative initiative with Baznas RI, which he views as highly aligned with the ministry’s vision in building villages. He sees the integration of empowerment programmes like UPZ Desa as a strategic step to strengthen the economic independence of rural communities through targeted management of philanthropic funds. Yandri emphasised that his side will provide full support for the collaborative programme with Baznas RI, including related to programme socialisation so that the information can reach a wider community. “Later, the collaboration between Baznas and Kemendes will also be intensified through social media by involving influencers so that the impact is felt tangibly by the wider community,” said Minister Yandri.