The assistance program will target one thousand madrasahs, with each receiving Rp25 million (around US$1,617), Baznas head Noor Achmad informed in a statement released by the agency here on Tuesday.
He added that Learning-Ready Madrasah is the agency's main program. It is in line with Baznas' vision of becoming the main agency for improving the Muslim community's welfare.
He said that the program will be implemented in keeping with the third mission of Baznas, namely distributing and optimizing zakat (alms), infak (donation), and sedekah (voluntary charity) funds to alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and improve welfare.
"We believe that education is the primary ladder for someone to improve welfare," he added.
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Data from the Ministry of Religious Affairs pegs the total number madrasah classrooms in Indonesia at 217,021. Of the number, 162,579 are in a good condition, while 29,465 are slightly damaged, 17,787 are moderately damaged, and 158 are severely damaged.
Looking at the data, Baznas felt the need to help improve madrasah facilities.
"God willing, going forward, we are committed to continue quality and quantity (improvement). Thus, please pray that Baznas' performance will be more optimal and will spread more benefits to Indonesia," Achmad said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Saiful Rahmat Dasuki, welcomed the Baznas initiative, which, according to him, can make students of madrasahs across Indonesia more enthusiastic about learning.
"This program is certainly very beneficial and becomes a motivation for us all to improve the quality of madrasahs in each region. This is an answer to the educational needs of our children," he said.
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Translator: Sean Filo, Raka Adji
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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