“If we can encourage people to pay zakat, especially since this is an obligation for Muslims, it will encourage the purchasing power of the community, (so that) despite an increase (in prices) it (the purchasing power) will remain stable,” he said, according to a press release received on Monday.
He made the statement while chairing the Coordination Meeting for Regional Inflation Control and the Dissemination of Information on the Health Bill at the headquarters of the Ministry of Home Affairs here on Monday.
Karnavian urged people to pay zakat one week ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2023, which is predicted to fall on April 22. The payment can be made out directly to beneficiaries or through foundations, mosques, or the National Alms Agency (Baznas).
According to data from Baznas, the potential for zakat fund collection in the country is around Rp327 trillion. The potential has been calculated based on the zakat sourced from people’s income, the agriculture, animal husbandry, and plantation sectors as well as other sectors.
However, the actual amount of zakat funds collected so far has not been maximal. For example, in 2021, zakat funds only reached Rp17 trillion.
To this end, the minister said that efforts from various parties are needed to maximize the zakat potential in a bid to improve the purchasing power of beneficiaries.
“If the increase in prices is followed by an increase in people’s purchasing power as well, the problem can be resolved,” he remarked.
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Translator: Tri Meilani, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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