Semarang, The Indonesia Post – Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo agreed with the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia regarding the appeal for zakat distribution through official institutions so as not to cause crowds of people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I really agree that (the distribution of zakat through official institutions, ed) is to prevent crowds,” said Ganjar in Semarang, Monday.
According to Ganjar, the National Amil Zakat Agency and amil zakat institutions in the regions have data on parties or groups of people who are entitled to receive zakat.
“Baznas has data on that, just cooperate with Baznas and I suspect it can be much better,” said the PDI-P politician.
As a follow-up to the Ministry of Religion’s appeal, the Central Java Provincial Government coordinated with official zakat distribution institutions regarding data and the number of zakat recipients.
As reported, the Director of Zakat and Waqf Empowerment of the Ministry of Religion Tarmizi Tohor asked the public not to distribute zakat in bulk which could potentially cause crowds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The public is advised to distribute zakat through credible and licensed official institutions.
Tarmizi believes that the distribution of zakat in bulk will trigger chaos and nourish the mentality of the poor people who depend on their lives only from the helping hands of zakat givers.
“The obligation to pay zakat for Muslims is a way to realize social justice in the economic field, if zakat, infaq and alms (ZIS) funds can be maximized, it can realize the welfare of the wider community,” he said. (mhn/bbs)
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