Indonesia's Baznas focuses extreme poverty programs on 88 regions
Baznas Head for Research, Development, Planning, and Innovation Syarifuddin reassured the agency’s willingness to assist regional governments during a meeting with the Polewali Mandar District administration in Jakarta.
“Baznas is presently prioritizing action on extreme poverty in 88 regions. We can tailor our programs to Polewali Mandar’s conditions,” he said in a statement cited here on Friday.
Syarifuddin noted that Baznas views collaboration with regional governments as essential to ensuring that poverty alleviation initiatives are well targeted and aligned with the actual needs of communities.
“It would be pleasant for us to have our programs be relevant to the needs of the Polewali Mandar district government,” he remarked.
The official further stressed that, in improving living standards, Baznas seeks to optimize the potential and use of zakat (Islamic alms) to complement regional government budgets.
“As a zakat management agency, we have decided to focus on regions reeling from extreme poverty,” Syarifuddin added, noting that building synergy between Baznas and regional governments is of utmost importance to this effort.
He further said Baznas had rolled out various charitable programs aimed at meeting the basic needs of poor and extremely poor residents, supported by empowerment initiatives designed to help communities become more productive.
In Polewali Mandar, he continued, the agency has commenced programs focused on livestock businesses, retail, food security, and decent housing support.
“Baznas has a number of flagship programs ready to be synergized,” he said.
He also encouraged the district government to increase the collection and utilization of alms donated by civil servants to aid residents in need of welfare support.
Polewali Mandar District Head Samsul Mahmud appreciated the philanthropic agency for contributing to welfare improvements in the district.
“We are committed to synergizing Baznas’ programs with our region’s potential,” he stated.
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Translator: Sean Filo, Tegar Nurfitra