JAKARTA - Chairman of the DPD RI Sultan B Najamuddin stated that there was no problem if the Palace was not pleased with the use of zakat, infaq, and alms for the free nutritious food program (MBG).

Sultan said this was conveyed only as an alternative proposal for the government.

"We also want to contribute to helping the government by providing ideas, input, and inviting the community to be able to get involved because our nation's original nature and character are very generous, helpful and mutual cooperation," said Sultan in his statement, Thursday, January 16, quoted by Antara.

He understands that zakat is an Islamic law that has been regulated with the boundaries of the recipient and the law is mandatory.

However, specifically for infaq and alms, according to him, they are more flexible in nature, both the number, the recipient group, and the law are sunnah or voluntary for those willing to do so.

In addition, the Sultan said that the majority of school children who received benefits from President Prabowo Subianto's flagship program came from lower middle class families who economically needed nutritional support from the state.

On the other hand, the target of MBG beneficiaries reaches 83 million children and requires a very large budget of IDR 210 trillion, three times what the current government budgets IDR 71 trillion.

"At the same time, we also see that the people in the regions really welcome the MBG program, especially many children who are happy and happy with the food menu that is served," he said.

According to him, the potential for zakat, infaq, and alms in Indonesia reaches around Rp. 300 trillion every year. If managed professionally, there should be no community, especially Muslims, who lack food or become beggars on the streets.

"Once again this is just ideas and ideas, but the big point is that the MBG program is very good and we must support this nation to become a superior nation," he said.

However, if possible, he recommended that MBG program financing from zakat, infaq and alms proceeds be given to schools with certain categories that meet the requirements as recipients.

This means that not all schools and children are given MBG which is sourced from the funds.

"So, don't think that the proposal we submitted will become an obligation for all people. It all depends on the people's intentions and abilities," he said.


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