To reach herd immunity with a minimum of 70 percent requires hard work and quick problem-solving, and in this case, the pesantren community is our target.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Religious Affairs has lauded the Kita Jaga Kyai program implemented by the National Alms Agency (Baznas) to support efforts to combat COVID-19 in the Islamic boarding schools.

"Kita Jaga Kyai program is real action in maintaining health in the boarding school environment, such as students, staff, and Muslim preachers (kyai)," director of alms and waqf empowerment at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Tarmizi Tohor, said in a press release received here on Friday.

The programs implemented by Baznas to control COVID-19 are part of the utilization of alms, infaq, and donations to benefit people, he informed.

"This is a form of community concern for the Kyai's role and function as a pillar of the nation's defense. Hopefully, this program can trigger and motivate in supporting the optimization of alms management," he remarked.

Baznas is running the Kita Jaga Kyai program to help reduce cases of COVID-19 transmission in the Islamic boarding schools, he noted.

The program includes vaccination services, distribution of immunity and hygiene packages, health screening services, as well as assistance for patients in self-isolation, Tohor said.

"This program is in line with government programs for achieving herd immunity. It can be hastened through the COVID-19 vaccination program," Baznas chairman Noor Ahmad said.

"To reach herd immunity with a minimum of 70 percent, requires hard work and quick problem-solving, and in this case, the Islamic boarding schools community is our target," Ahmad informed.

As a state agency mandated to distribute alms, infaq, and other religious social funds, Baznas must take care of Muslim preachers, who are important religious figures, amid the pandemic, he said.​​​​​​​

Baznas is also playing a role in efforts to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people's economic condition, he said.

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Translator: Asep F, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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