Vice President Ma'ruf Asks For The Right Distribution Of Zakat To Resolve Poverty

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin gave a speech at the opening of the 10th National Conference of the Zakat Forum at the Vice President's Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (16/7/2024). (ANTARA/HO-Biro Press of the Vice Presidential Secretariat)

JAKARTA - Vice President (Vice President) Ma'ruf Amin asked the distribution of zakat to be right on target, especially in programs related to poverty alleviation.

"Make sure the distribution of zakat is right on target and right on benefits with an accurate database, especially in programs related to poverty alleviation," said Vice President Ma'ruf Amin in his remarks at the opening of the 10th National Conference (Munas) of the Zakat Forum with the theme "The Zakat Movement Welcoming Indonesia Gold 2045" at the Vice Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday, July 16, was confiscated by Antara.

Related to this, the Vice President also asked for the benefit of zakat in poverty alleviation efforts not only directed at reducing mustahik (zakat recipients) from the extreme poverty line, but also empowering mustahik to transform into muzakki (zakki payers of zakat).

"The distribution of zakat needs to be continuously encouraged to be more productive and provide sustainable benefits for the community through the community's economic empowerment program, such as providing micro and small business capital," said the Vice President.

In addition, he said, it is also important to ensure that zakat distribution is carried out by the Zakat Management Organization (OPZ) integrated with an accurate database.

"Use socio-economic registration data (regsosek) so that the distribution of zakat can be more targeted," said the Vice President.

Finally, the Vice President also instructed that the synergy and alignment of national zakat management with the national development agenda be maintained in order to ensure sustainability.

"I ask all stakeholders to strengthen synergy and collaboration in the preparation of national zakat management strategies," said the Vice President.

He also believes that the Zakat Forum is capable of becoming the main driving component for the transformation and collaboration of sustainable zakat management so that it plays an important role in realizing the welfare of the people and the nation.

Deputy Minister of Religion (Wamenag) Saiful Rahmat Dasuki, who was also present at the event, emphasized that the sustainability of zakat programs requires support and collaboration with the community, especially zakat institutions such as the Zakat Forum.

"The Zakat Forum as a forum that accommodates various Indonesian zakat institutions has a vital role in supporting government programs and ensuring the distribution of zakat which is effective and fixed and on target," he said.

To note, the 10th National Conference of the Zakat Forum is a routine agenda every three years for the election of the general chairman for the new period. The Zakat Forum, as an association of zakat management institutions, collects the Amil Zakat Agency (BAZ) and the Amil Zakat Institution (LAZ) from all over Indonesia.

The Forum affirms Indonesia's commitment to developing zakat as an instrument that is economically and socially beneficial to the wider community. With the full support of the government, OPZ, and the private sector, zakat is expected to play a more role in reducing social inequality and improving mutual welfare.