ACT Allegedly Misappropriating People's Funds, Cak Imin: Donate To LazisNU Only, Clear Track Record

Photo via Twitter @cakimiNOW

JAKARTA - Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Muhaimin Iskandar, highlighted the issue of ACT (Aksi Cepat Tanggap) which was suspected of misappropriating people's aid funds. Muhaimin considered, the authorities should immediately investigate. "For the ACT case, I don't think it will become a buzz in the community. If there are indications of misappropriation, they will be manipulated, enforce the appropriate law," said Muhaimin to reporters, Tuesday, July 5. It is known that the polemic related to ACT arose after Tempo magazine published a report on 'The People's Fund Leaking Pocket'. The Center for Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis (PPATK) admitted that it had found indications of misappropriation of ACT funds, the police had also conducted an investigation. Muhaimin, who is familiarly called Cak Imin, said that misappropriation of public funds was a big sin and could have a systemic impact. He also appealed to the public not to be easily swayed by the persuasion of philanthropic institutions. "Remember, misappropriating people's funds is a big sin, whatever the excuse, I don't think it can be justified. People's intentions are alms, donating to humanity, not to enrich management," said Cak Imin.

Muhaimin then invited the public to donate to LazisNU only. Because according to him, the institution has a clear track record.

"If I was asked, for example, what institution do you want to donate to? Yes, I would definitely direct it to LazisNU, there is BAZNas, and LazisMU also has a clear track record," said Cak Imin. "An institution whose track record is not yet clear," he added.

The President of Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT) Ibnu Khajar clarified that his party did not arbitrarily take infaq sodaqoh funds that have been mandated by the community. The funds taken by ACT were 'only' 13.7 percent and were in accordance with the Shari'a.

Ibnu noted that in 2020 the ACT charity had collected Rp519 billion from the public. Thus, taking 13.7 percent of operational funds does not violate the rules at all.

"The funds that we collect and the operations of the institution, we want to convey that in 2020 our funds are Rp. 519 billion. For 2005-2020, it is on the ACT website, we convey that for operational employee salaries from 2017-2021 we take an average of 13.7 percent," said Ibnu at a press conference at the ACT Office, South Jakarta, Monday, July 4.

Ibnu explained that this was in accordance with the Shari'a, where in Islam it is allowed to take operational funds of one-eighth. However, the 13.7 percent figure is part of supporting all branches in 47 countries making it slightly more than the 12.5 percent figure.

"In zakat institutions, according to sharia, 1/8 or 12.5 percent is allowed, this is our benchmark in general, nothing specifically for institutional operations," explained Ibnu.

"How can ACT take 13.7 percent, as Amil Zakat 12.5 percent, why more? ACT is not a zakat institution, but general philanthropy from the community, CSR, general alms or infaq, and the allocation of zakat funds," he continued.