Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s National Alms Agency (Baznas) has pledged support for the government’s 1,001 Area-Based Community Empowerment Points Program, launched by the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment to boost grassroots development across the country.

The program’s rollout began Wednesday at the Widuri Production Area in Kendal, Central Java, aiming to strengthen localized development initiatives.

“Baznas' participation focuses on improving the welfare of mustahik [zakat recipients] through the ZMart Program, which offers business capital and continuous mentoring,” Baznas Chairman Noor Achmad said in a statement on Thursday.

Achmad reaffirmed Baznas’ full support for government initiatives aimed at empowering communities through area-based strategies.

“Zakat holds strong potential to drive socio-economic change. We hope this step boosts local economies and supports national development goals,” he added.

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Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar welcomed the support from Baznas, other philanthropic bodies, and stakeholders, crediting them with helping rebuild the rural empowerment ecosystem.

“Success demands constant collaboration. Today’s pilot project continues efforts by both state and non-state actors,” Iskandar said during the launch event.

He stressed the importance of cross-sector cooperation in empowering rural communities, and affirmed the ministry’s commitment to backing all inclusive empowerment efforts.

“We hope this ecosystem grows within rural communities and brings long-term impact,” he said.

Baznas’ ZMart Program aims to scale up small shops owned by mustahik by providing capital, training, and business guidance.

The initiative is designed to help recipients grow their businesses, increase their income, and eventually transition from zakat beneficiaries to zakat contributors (muzaki).



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