Indonesia's BAZNAS Allocates Rp 22 Billion in Scholarships for Palestinian Students
The National Alms Agency (BAZNAS) of the Republic of Indonesia symbolically handed over educational scholarship assistance worth Rp 22 billion for Palestinian students to the Palestinian Ambassador during the opening of the 8th Indonesian Muslim Congress (KUII) in 2026 at Hotel Bidakara, Jakarta, Friday (24/7/2026).
BAZNAS Chairman Sodik Mudjahid stated that this scholarship allocation is sourced from a total of Rp 200 billion in humanitarian funds raised for Palestine, reflecting the immense care and solidarity of Indonesian Muslims.
‘Among the allocation of these funds is for scholarships for Palestinian students in Indonesia, where in the first phase, Rp 22 billion has been allocated as a result of recruitment and development cooperation between BAZNAS, MUI, and the Ministry of Education and Culture,’ Sodik said after the event.
Sodik assured that the distribution of the scholarships uses humanitarian funds specifically raised for Palestine. ‘These funds are a trust from the Indonesian people, specifically intended for the Palestinian people from the outset. Therefore, it does not reduce or use the allocation of Zakat, Infaq, and Sadaqah (ZIS) funds for BAZNAS programmes in Indonesia,’ he explained.
According to him, in addition to educational programmes, BAZNAS has also coordinated with the Presidential Staff Office regarding plans to distribute humanitarian aid funds for physical infrastructure development in Palestine.
Sodik affirmed that the flow of care and enthusiasm from various levels of society, community organisations, and private institutions in entrusting and distributing humanitarian donations for Palestine through BAZNAS remains very high, massive, and consistent.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Amirsyah Tambunan, stated that this scholarship programme collaboration focuses on strengthening the capacity of Palestinian children amidst various limitations in order to cultivate a generation of successors capable of rebuilding their nation’s future.
He noted that improving human resources is key for a nation facing a crisis to rise and stand equal with other countries in the world. ‘As believers, we must be optimistic, never give up nor grieve, for you shall have the upper hand if you are truly believers. Thus, all challenges and tests must be faced in order to continue to rise,’ he said.