Zakat Helps to Improve People’s Welfare, President Prabowo Says

President Prabowo Subianto delivered his remarks when paying zakat through the National Zakat Management Agency (BAZNAS), on Thursday (03/28), at the State Palace, Jakarta. (Photo: Bureau of Press and Media of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto paid zakat through the National Zakat Management Agency (BAZNAS) on Thursday (03/27) at the State Palace, Jakarta. On his remarks, he expressed his confidence of the role of zakat in improving people’s welfare and accelerating poverty eradication throughout Indonesia.

“By giving zakat, we can share with others, help the underprivileged, alleviate their life burdens, and also prevent us from being stingy. Zakat is a reflection of the attitude of mutual cooperation and efforts to reduce social inequality. It is a manifestation of social justice and equal distribution of welfare,” the President said.

The Head of State was aware of the great challenges faced by many people who were still struggling to meet their basic needs. He invited all people to not only celebrate Ramadan by worshiping, but also by sharing with those in need through zakat and donation.

“Let’s pray for them. Let us extend a helping hand to them. One way to do this is through zakat-giving and charity. By giving zakat, we deepen our sense of gratitude and appreciation to God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us,” he further said.

Furthermore, the President noted that the potential for zakat collection in Indonesia could contribute significantly to poverty eradication. Thus, the President was confident that Indonesia could reach extreme poverty eradication in a relatively short time.

“Recent report showed that the potential for zakat collection in Indonesia was considerable at Rp327 trillion, while this year’s collection has reached Rp41 trillion so far. Our calculation may show that we can reduce absolute poverty with only Rp30 trillion,” the President explained.

President Prabowo also underscored transparency and efficiency in zakat management. He hoped it could be carried out in a clean and orderly manner so that the funds collected could be utilized optimally.

“Zakat expenditure must be carried out transparently and effectively as all our government works must be transparent, must be effective, must reach those who need it. It must be carried out with the cleanest and most orderly management,” he emphasized. (Bureau for Press and Media of Presidential Secretariat/DNS) (GA/MB)