KP2MI and BAZNAS Build Welfare Ecosystem for Migrant Workers

The Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) is partnering with the National Alms Agency (BAZNAS) to expand the protection and empowerment ecosystem for Indonesian migrant workers through zakat management, financing assistance, and scholarships for their families. This cooperation follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two institutions covering the strengthening of empowerment schemes, departure financing assistance, and the establishment of Zakat Collection Units (UPZ) for migrant worker communities abroad. According to a ministry press release on Wednesday, Minister for P2MI Mukhtarudin said the synergy is expected to broaden access to financing for prospective migrant workers beyond the existing People’s Business Credit (KUR) Placement scheme and cooperatives. “We want to explore our joint potential. Through proper mentoring and empowerment, we hope that migrant workers who may currently still be categorised as mustahik (zakat recipients) can, in the future, once they are successful abroad, transform into muzakki (zakat payers),” Mukhtarudin said. He noted that the collaboration with BAZNAS focuses not only on emergency aid but also on building a long-term welfare foundation for migrant workers and their families. “Through this strategic collaboration with BAZNAS, we are not only providing emergency aid or entrepreneurial empowerment but also building a foundation for the future of migrant workers’ families through access to scholarship education, financial literacy, and facilities for establishing Zakat Collection Units (UPZ) abroad,” he stated. Mukhtarudin added that KP2MI is also preparing a Digital Zakat Literacy Pocket Book and strengthening data integration so that aid and empowerment programmes are better targeted. “This synergy is a manifestation of the state’s complete presence to serve, protect, and sustainably improve the welfare of Indonesian migrant workers and their families,” he said. Meanwhile, BAZNAS RI Chairman Sodik Mudjahid said the strengthened cooperation focuses on optimising the management of zakat, infaq, and sadaqah (ZIS) for Indonesian migrant workers. “This meeting reinforces the existing MoU. There are two main focuses. First, support for cooperation in the mobilisation, management, and utilisation of ZIS funds with Indonesian migrant workers as the specific subject. Second, comprehensive technical support for migrant workers,” Sodik said. He explained that the support includes financing and preparation for prospective migrant workers before departure, the establishment of community-based UPZ while working abroad, and educational scholarships and economic training for the families left behind. “The synergy between KP2MI and BAZNAS marks an important milestone in delivering holistic and equitable protection for Indonesian migrant workers,” Sodik concluded.