Baznas Projects Rp6.56 Trillion in Mosque Funds Circulation
Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – Retrieved from Antara, The Indonesian National Alms Agency (Baznas) estimates that public religious funds collected in mosques across the country, from almsgiving, voluntary charity, and donations (ZIS), could reach Rp6.56 trillion (US\$403 million) annually.
“If we look at the figures from almsgiving, voluntary charity, and donations, based on Baznas’ survey, the estimated potential is around Rp6.56 trillion,” said Saidah Sakwan, Baznas’ Head of Distribution and Utilization.
Speaking at the 2025 Mosque Symposium and National Workshop of the Mosque Welfare Board in Jakarta on Tuesday, Sakwan acknowledged the challenges of ensuring that ZIS funds make the most impact on community empowerment.
She highlighted that one of the key issues is accountability and transparency, particularly in how the funds are recorded and reported to the public.
“In fact, the circulation of community funds in mosques is significant if we consolidate it. The challenge is managing these funds in an accountable and transparent way, so they can have a meaningful impact on community empowerment,” Sakwan said.
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Sakwan pointed out that some mosques still lack integrated financial reporting systems and do not provide clear reports to their congregations. As a result, the potential of these funds has yet to be fully realized in addressing poverty alleviation, supporting education, and boosting the local economy.
She encouraged mosques to improve their management systems, including using technology to streamline record-keeping and reporting, while complying with regulations on the collection and distribution of ZIS.
“With transparency and accountability, these substantial public funds can be better managed to support programs that directly meet the community’s needs,” she added.
Looking ahead, Sakwan expressed hope that the flow of community funds in mosques could become a powerful economic force for local communities, while also strengthening the role of mosques as centers of grassroots empowerment through professional and accountable management. (BL)