TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo along with Vice President Ma'ruf Amin handed over zakat or alms to the National Zakat Agency (Baznas) at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, Thursday, April 15, 2021. The event was held under strict health protocols.

"Alhamdulillah, today I along with the Vice President and Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet can still pay zakat amid the pandemic and keep complying with the health protocols," said the President in his remarks.

The President said that zakat can now be paid online. He also emphasized that zakat is the obligation of Muslims to share fortune and happiness with others, especially mustahiq (rightful recipients).

"I hope that zakat funds collected by Baznas can be used wisely so as to help our brothers and sisters who are experiencing difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic and also to help alleviate poverty in our country," Jokowi added.

The President further appealed to all state officials, State-Owned Enterprises (SOE), private companies, up to regional heads throughout the country to participate in paying zakat via the official managers or amil zakat to help establish welfare and provide blessings to all.

"Hopefully the zakat we spend will perfect our fasting, our piety, our obedience to Allah," he remarked.

On this occasion, the state head officially launched the Gerakan Cinta Zakat, a movement to encourage public participation in paying zakat, donations, and charity. It is also to ensure that the zakat distribution is right on target.

"Gerakan Cinta Zakat is in line with the government’s program that aims to alleviate poverty, deal with calamities and disasters, and realize SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) programs," said Jokowi.

EGI ADYATAMA