Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at Handing Over of Zakat to the National Zakat Agency (Baznas), State Palace, Jakarta, March 28, 2023

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Honorable Vice President,

Heads of State Institutions,

Ministers,

And Chairperson of Baznas,

Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen,

Praise God, we are grateful to Allah the Almighty for giving us the opportunity, the strength, and the health to once again, welcome the fasting month of Ramadan.

 In this holy month, we are reminded to improve our piety to Allah the Almighty, not only by observing fasting, but also by performing more good deeds and competing in doing good deeds, including giving donation, charity, and zakat.

Paying zakat is an obligation for every Muslim as a form of thankfulness, a token of gratitude for all the blessings given by Allah in our lies, by sharing plenty of our fortune, our happiness and some of our wealth with our brothers and sisters in need.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Government continues to seek to reduce poverty, especially extreme poverty. The move needs support and participation from the entire community, including through the collection and distribution of zakat, alms, and charity funds by the Baznas.

Therefore, on this auspicious occasion, I appeal to all Muslims, especially state officials, state civil servants, SOEs officials, and regional leaders across the country to pay their zakat through Baznas so that the funds can be managed professionally and transparently.

I also order that the collected zakat funds be distributed to the right target to improve the welfare of the communities and bring blessings to all of us.

We hope our zakat can perfect our fasting and piety to Allah the Almighty.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(FI/EP)