Palembang, The Indonesia Post – The South Sumatra Provincial Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the people’s economy and alleviating poverty through zakat instruments.
This was marked by the concrete steps taken by the Governor of South Sumatra, H. Herman Deru, who officially fulfilled his obligation to pay zakat fitrah and distributed his alms through the National Zakat Collection Agency (BAZNAS) of South Sumatra Province. Governor Herman Deru urged all Muslims in South Sumatra to feel free to distribute their Zakat, Alms, and Alms (ZIS) through official state institutions.
“Distribution through BAZNAS is the right step because it is managed professionally, transparently, and precisely. This is not just an act of worship, but a vital instrument for the government in helping alleviate poverty and improve the welfare of the people of South Sumatra,” he said.
In line with the Governor’s directive, the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of South Sumatra Province, Drs. H. Edward Candra, MH, administratively instructed all Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) within the South Sumatra Provincial Government to consolidate their ZIS distribution to the South Sumatra BAZNAS. Edward also paid his zakat, infaq, and shodaqoh (charity) at Baznas on Monday (March 16, 2026).
The Regional Secretary was accompanied by the Chairman of Baznas South Sumatra H. Darani, Head of Bapenda H. Achmad Rizwan, Karo Kesra H. Sunarto and Chairman of the Supervisory Board H. Akhmad Najib.
Edward emphasized that the potential for zakat from State Civil Apparatus (ASN) within the Provincial Government is enormous. If collected optimally, these funds will drive various strategic programs, the benefits of which will be directly felt by the wider community.
“Zakat is a bridge of social awareness. Through synergy between local governments and BAZNAS, we want to ensure that the funds collected are allocated to real empowerment programs, such as educational assistance, healthcare, and strengthening the community’s economy,” explained Edward Candra.
With accountable governance, it is hoped that the zakat movement in South Sumatra can grow into an economic force capable of significantly reducing poverty. (mhn/ril)
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