Baznas: Zakat Funds Not Used for Free Nutritious Meals Programme
The National Amil Zakat Board (Baznas) of Indonesia has issued a statement clarifying incorrect reports that zakat, infak (Islamic donations), and sedekah (charitable giving) collected from the public are being used to fund the government’s Makan Bergizi Gratis (Free Nutritious Meals, MBG) programme. Baznas firmly denies these allegations.
“We affirm that zakat, infak, and sedekah entrusted to Baznas by the public are not used even one per cent for the Free Nutritious Meals programme. All funds are distributed for the welfare of the ummah in accordance with the provisions governing eight categories of recipients,” said Rizaludin Kurniawan, Head of Baznas’s Fund-Raising Division, to journalists on Friday, 27 February 2026.
Rizaludin explained that the utilisation of zakat, infak, and sedekah funds is governed by clear regulations. These funds cannot be redirected beyond their designated purposes as established by Islamic Sharia law.
He confirmed that zakat funds can only be distributed to eight categories of recipients (asnaf) as prescribed by Islamic law: the poor (fakir), the needy (miskin), zakat administrators (amil), converts to Islam (muallaf), those in bondage (riqab), those burdened by debt for meeting basic needs (gharimin), those fighting in the way of God (fisabilillah), and travellers in need (ibnu sabil).
Rizaludin assured that these provisions serve as the foundation for zakat management at Baznas. He guaranteed that the entire process of collection and distribution remains within Islamic guidelines and does not deviate from applicable regulations.
Furthermore, Rizaludin explained that institutionally and in terms of funding sources, the MBG programme and zakat management operate under entirely different systems. The MBG programme is a government initiative financed through the national budget, whilst zakat, infak, and sedekah funds originate from public trust and are regulated strictly in accordance with Islamic law.
“Therefore, zakat funds cannot be redirected for programmes that do not fall within the asnaf category, including the MBG programme,” he stated.
Rizaludin added that Baznas’s zakat management adheres to the 3A principle: Syar’i Security (compliance with Islamic law), Regulatory Security (legal compliance), and NKRI Security (supporting national interests). This principle ensures that zakat management aligns with religious teachings, respects the law, and serves the nation’s interests.
Rizaludin stated that zakat, infak, and sedekah distribution at Baznas focuses on poverty alleviation, improved access to education, healthcare services, and humanitarian assistance for vulnerable groups within the eight asnaf categories.
Baznas has urged the public not to be swayed by misinformation claiming that zakat funds are being used for the MBG programme. Rizaludin assured that all zakat, infak, and sedekah funds entrusted to Baznas will be distributed accurately and responsibly.
“We (Baznas) operate with transparent and accountable governance through regular reporting and audits as a form of accountability to the public. Citizens can view comprehensive reports on the official Baznas website at www.baznas.go.id,” Rizaludin concluded.