Jokowi Reminds Officials To Pay Zakat Obligations Through Baznas

President Joko Widodo (Antara)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin along with ministers in the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet as well as a number of leaders of state institutions carry out the obligation to pay zakat. Payments are made through the National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) at the State Palace today, Tuesday, April 12.

In his remarks, Jokowi said he was grateful to still be able to pay tithe in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said paying zakat is an obligation for Muslims.

"Today, I along with the vice president and institutional leaders as well as ministers, governors, regents, and mayors can continue to pay tithe in the midst of a pandemic," Jokowi said as quoted from the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube, Tuesday, April 12.

Zakat, continued Jokowi, is an obligation to share sustenance and happiness to those in need. So, he invited all state officials, State-owned Enterprise (BUMN) officials, to officials in private companies to pay tithe.

"I also appeal to all state officials, all officials in BUMN, all private companies, and all regional heads and their staff throughout Indonesia to fulfill their zakat obligations through BAZNAS," said the former DKI Jakarta governor.

Furthermore, Jokowi hopes that the zakat funds collected can be managed properly by Baznas and be useful for those in need. Especially, for community groups affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and experiencing poverty.

Not only that, all parties who want to pay zakat are asked by Jokowi to submit it to Baznas. So, the existing funds can be managed professionally.

"Hopefully the zakat that we spend will complete our fasting worship and perfect our obedience to Allah," he concluded.