Bappenas Expressed The Reason For The Zakat Waqf Impact Forum Today

Deputy for Human Development, Society and Culture of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas Amich Alhumami (second from the left). Photo: Theresia Agatha/VOI

JAKARTA - The Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (PPN/Bappenas) held the Zakat Waqf Impact Forum today.

Deputy for Human Development, Community and Culture of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas Amich Alhumami revealed the reasons behind the event.

Initially, several zakat and waqf organizing organizations often invited the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas on various occasions.

Then, some of them visited the office of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas to submit a development report on activities related to zakat management and any activities supported by mobilizing zakat funds for social activities.

"In fact (the activities of zakat, infaq, alms and waqf/ziswaf management) are in line with national development programs. Therefore, activities that are very positive and very good (from various organizations that organize zakat and waqf) we respond (by) organizing an event that hopefully can be held every year, through what is later referred to as Zakat Waqf Impact Forum," he said in his remarks at the Zakat Waqf Impact Forum event in Jakarta, Wednesday, March 20.

Amich assessed that what were done by various zakat management organizations, such as the National Zakat Agency (Baznas), the Infaq Zakat Institution and the Muhammadiyah Shadaqah (LAZISMU), the Nahdlatul Ulama Amil Zakat Institute (LAZISNU), the Zakat Forum and Zakat House are said to have collaborated in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For example, eradicating poverty (Tujuan 1), achieving a healthy and prosperous life (Tujuan 3) and quality education (Tujuan 4).

"Therefore, the programs that have been implemented are also in line with what Bappenas is doing. So it becomes important and feels relevant if it is welcomed by Bappenas who happens to be in the scope of deputy human development, society and culture. Then we report to the minister and he also welcomes (Zakat Waqf Impact Forum) very well," he said.

For example, the CEO of Rumah Zakat Irvan Nugraha said that zakat is one of the main stakeholders in encouraging the achievement of the success of the SDGs targets.

Throughout 2023, Rumah Zakat was declared to have provided 1.6 million beneficiaries and 21 percent of these figures received the economic empowerment program managed to get out of the poverty line.

He claims that his party has contributed to 13 goals and 46 indicators from the SDGs, such as the Goal 1 (without poverty), the Goal 2 (without hunger), the Goal 3 (healthy and prosperous life), the Goal 8 (clean water and sanitation are feasible) to the Goal 13 (handling climate change).

"People who have a surplus of funds can collaborate on national development through collaboration with zakat institutions. Of course this is also an opportunity for institutions to manage (zakat funds) and distribute them in programs, both on a daily basis and in sustainable empowerment relevant to the goals of the development of SDGs," he added.