Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto said Rp30 trillion is enough to address absolute poverty in the country, while the National Zakat Agency (Baznas) has been able to collect Rp41 trillion this year. The head of state then remarked that he could see Baznas tackling the extreme poverty issue in Indonesia.
"Which means Baznas has a strategic role (to address extreme poverty)," he said during the zakat handover event at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Among those present at the event were Baznas chair KH. Noor Achmad, a number of Prabowo's cabinet members including the Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, and the National Police chief, Budi Gunawan.
The zakat potential is around Rp327 trillion, Prabowo said, while Baznas collected Rp41 trillion already this year, something the state leader said he appreciated.
Prabowo also mentioned Baznas' role in providing assistance to the Middle East and Palestine. The zakat agency is respected in the region, he said, for being present in difficult places.
Prabowo also urged his aides to strengthen Baznas. However, he requested that the management of zakat must be transparent and effective.
"The work must be transparent and effective, assisting those in need. The management must be carried out cleanly and orderly," Prabowo said.