When we hear the word zakat, we often think of giving—an obligation, a duty, a way to purify wealth. In Indonesia, BAZNAS (Badan Amil Zakat Nasional) has taken this a step further. As the country’s national zakat agency, BAZNAS doesn’t just collect funds—it actively transforms them into programs that empower communities, alleviate poverty, and create lasting social impact.
Established as a government-mandated body, BAZNAS manages zakat, infaq, and other Islamic social funds, channeling them into initiatives that uplift those who need it most. Its mission goes beyond charity: it’s about enabling mustahik, the beneficiaries of zakat, to gain skills, independence, and dignity.
BAZNAS runs a wide range of innovative programs. The Scholarship Program supports students from elementary school to university, providing tuition-free boarding, domestic and overseas scholarships, and even research funding on zakat. In 2023, this program benefited 14,512 students nationwide, empowering the next generation through education.
Economic empowerment is another cornerstone. The Z-Chicken Program helps mustahik start crispy chicken businesses, combining culinary skills with entrepreneurial training. Supported by mentorship, community management, and a full supply chain ecosystem, it helped 423 entrepreneurs across six provinces in 2023. Similarly, the Z-Mart Program strengthens small grocery stores owned by mustahik, providing financial support, renovations, and training to help them compete with modern retail. Last year, 667 micro-retail stores received support across 14 provinces, improving both income and community engagement.
BAZNAS also responds swiftly during crises. Its Disaster Response Program (BTB/CCT) delivers emergency aid, recovery, and reconstruction, both domestically and internationally. In 2023, it reached nearly 170,000 beneficiaries, supported by a volunteer force of 1,478 individuals across 30 provinces.
The Santripreneur Program nurtures entrepreneurship among pesantren graduates (santri), offering training, mentoring, and capital to build micro, small, and medium enterprises. In 2023, 309 santri entrepreneurs were supported across 20 provinces, promoting economic independence and innovation.
Housing and healthcare also receive special attention. Through the Livable House Program, BAZNAS renovated or built 1,193 homes, directly benefiting 5,965 people in 30 provinces. Meanwhile, Rumah Sehat BAZNAS provides integrated health services—including preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care—reaching 43,991 mustahik in seven provinces last year.
Financial empowerment is reinforced through the Microfinance Program, which offers Shariah-compliant loans via village-based (BMD) and mosque-based (BMM) initiatives. Beneficiaries receive capital, entrepreneurial training, and guidance in digital marketing and market expansion. In 2023, 10,196 mustahik benefited from this program, with 46 units established across 16 provinces.
What makes BAZNAS exceptional is its holistic approach. Zakat is not just collected; it’s transformed into education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, housing, and financial inclusion. Each program works together to provide sustainable, dignity-driven impact, ensuring that those who receive help are empowered to thrive, not just survive.
Through these initiatives, BAZNAS proves that zakat can do more than meet immediate needs—it can change lives, build futures, and strengthen communities across Indonesia.
👉 If you’d like the visual version, here’s the presentation link.
Check this to learn more about that.
#Islamic_Social_Finance #Zakat #Zakat_Case #Social_Impact