In some of the countries that face poverty problem, Muslims make up the majority group.Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has been trying hard to tackle poverty through provision of social assistance, education, health services, and job creation, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has said.
Poverty has affected not only Indonesia, but also other countries in Africa, Latin America, America, Europe, and Asia, he said at an international seminar held by the Quranic Studies Institute (PTIQ). He joined the seminar via video conferencing from his official residence in Jakarta on Tuesday.
"In some of the countries that face poverty problem, Muslims make up the majority group," he noted.
Quoting a 2020 World Bank report, the Vice President said the number of people living in poverty has increased to 664 million from 119 million-124 million in 2019.
The United Nations has made eliminating poverty the first goal of the Sustainable Development Goals.
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At the seminar, Amin also appealed to Muslims to contribute to poverty reduction efforts, in keeping with the teachings of the Holy Quran, by giving alms and distributing economic welfare in a just and equitable manner, among other things.
"In this context, Al Quran has shown us to overcome poverty, either in our capacity as individuals or public officials," he remarked. (INE)
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Translator: Fransiska Ninditya/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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