Meet Syarifuddin, Bawean Native who Becomes Baznas Central Administrator

From a small village on Bawean Island has emerged a figure who now helps determine the direction of Indonesia’s national zakat policy.

His name is Syarifuddin, son of Sidogedungbatu Village, Sangkapura District, Gresik Regency. Known affectionately as “Ending,” he has been entrusted as one of the leaders of the central National Zakat Collection Board (Baznas) for the 2026–2031 period.

For the Bawean community, this news is more than just ordinary. It is an inspirational story about an island son who grew up modestly, was shaped by Islamic boarding school education, was active in organisations, and gradually ascended the national stage.

On Tuesday, 10 March 2026, he formally received a Presidential Decree (SK) from President Prabowo Subianto appointing him as an administrator of the National Zakat Collection Board (Baznas) for the 2026–2031 period. The decree was delivered directly by Minister of Religious Affairs Prof Nasaruddin Umar at the Operation Room of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Central Office Building in Jakarta.

After receiving the decree, Ending received numerous congratulations for the new mandate he has taken on.

“Praise be to God, my brothers and sisters… I ask for your prayers that I may be trustworthy and beneficial for the nation,” said Ending in response to congratulations from all members of the Bawean community living in Jakarta.

For many Bawean people, this achievement feels deeply personal. It is as if their small island now has a “representative” at the level of national policy-making.

Syarifuddin’s presence at Baznas is also considered important because he brings a grassroots perspective—a perspective that directly understands the lives of ordinary people, including those in island regions and remote areas.