Baznas Riau Cancels Rp3 Billion Contribution to Merah Putih Presisi Bridge

The National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) of Riau Province has conducted an evaluation regarding its contribution to the construction of the Merah Putih Presisi Bridge in Riau Province. Chairman of Baznas Riau, Masriadi Hasan, stated that the decision was taken after the Rp3 billion infak assistance drew attention from various parties. “With the current developments, Baznas is re-evaluating its participation in this programme,” said Masriadi Hasan on Thursday (19/3). He explained that their involvement in the government programme was based on the bridge’s benefits for community activities, while considering regulations and syariah. “This programme is a government initiative, directly ordered by the President for all parties to participate. The Pentahelic programme involves all elements, and Baznas, as a non-structural government agency, felt it necessary to take part,” he said. “Baznas took this step with the aim of eradicating poverty. Baznas’s participation does not mean ignoring regulations and syariah. Moreover, this is in an isolated and underdeveloped area, impacting the community’s economy,” he added. Regarding the assistance handed over symbolically to the Head of the Bureau of General Planning and Budget of the Riau Provincial Police, Commissioner Daniel Widya Mucharam, at the Serindit Hall of the Provincial Government Building on Friday (13/3), Masriadi mentioned that the funds came from infak by the people of Riau channelled through Baznas Riau. “This comes from the infak of Riau’s people. Based on the asnaf, this infak is flexible. It can be given to anyone in need, for public interests such as building mosques, bridges, or social facilities,” he said. He revealed that their participation in funding the construction also considered two syariah categories, namely being in a majority poor area and a majority Muslim community. “Because we must adjust to syariah, we requested that the bridge built with Baznas funds must meet two syariah categories. First, it must be in a majority poor area, second in a majority Muslim community area. We also conducted assessments on the implementation stages, from community conditions to the benefits after the bridge is built,” he explained. However, with the developing dynamics, Baznas Riau decided to cancel the contribution. “Taking a religious approach, avoiding harm is more important than seeking maslahat or goodness,” he said. “We do not want to damage public trust. Therefore, Baznas Riau states the cancellation of the contribution to the Merah Putih Presisi Bridge,” he concluded.