Baznas: Zakat Not Used for Free Nutritious Meals Programme
The National Zakat Board (Baznas) of the Republic of Indonesia has reaffirmed that Zakat, Infaq, and Sedaqah (ZIS) collected from donors and the public are not used to fund the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. This clarification aims to provide transparency to the public regarding the management of community funds.
Rizaludin Kurniawan, Head of Fund Collection at Baznas, stated that the utilisation of ZIS has clear usage regulations and cannot be diverted outside the allocation stipulated in Islamic law.
“We affirm that zakat, infaq, and sedaqah entrusted to Baznas by the public are not used even one percent for the Free Nutritious Meals programme. All funds are distributed for public welfare in accordance with the provisions of the eight asnaf categories,” Rizaludin said in his statement.
According to Islamic law, ZIS funds are allocated exclusively for eight specified categories of beneficiaries as defined by sharia principles.
Rizaludin further explained that institutionally and in terms of funding sources, the Free Nutritious Meals programme and zakat management operate under different systems. The Free Nutritious Meals programme is a government initiative financed through the state budget, whilst ZIS funds come from public trust and donations.
“The use of zakat funds cannot be diverted to programmes that do not fall within the asnaf category, including the Free Nutritious Meals programme,” he added. This is consistent with Baznas’s commitment to maintaining public trust through compliance with applicable regulations.
The implementation of Baznas programmes is currently focused on poverty alleviation, improving access to education, providing healthcare services, economic empowerment, and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable groups.
Rizaludin urged the public not to be influenced by unverifiable information regarding the use of zakat funds. He affirmed that the trust of donors remains protected and all funds are distributed accurately to their intended targets.
“We operate transparent and accountable fund management through regular reporting and audits as a form of accountability to the public. The public can view the full report on the official Baznas website,” he concluded.