JAKARTA: Indonesia’s National Alms Agency (BAZNAS) is aiming to bolster its collaboration with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in various educational and humanitarian initiatives to enhance the well-being of Indonesians, according to the agency’s top official.
BAZNAS, a government entity responsible for managing zakat and other Islamic social funds in Indonesia, has a track record of working with diverse international aid organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and UNICEF.
KSrelief partnered with BAZNAS in 2022 to provide food aid to Indonesians in need. This year, the Saudi aid agency extended its support by distributing food assistance in 22 Indonesian districts and cities during Ramadan.
Saidah Sakwan, who leads the distribution and utilization department at BAZNAS, expressed her appreciation for Saudi cooperation and expressed her hope for its continuation. “BAZNAS is hoping that this cooperation will continue and develop further on other programs for the sake of promoting the welfare of Muslims and other people in the world,” she stated.
KSrelief’s Humanitarian Aid Programs in Indonesia
Indonesia, with nearly 10 percent of its population, approximately 26 million people, living below the national poverty line, frequently relies on support from aid agencies to meet basic needs. Sakwan highlighted the significance of the aid distributed by KSrelief, particularly for those struggling to fulfill their daily requirements.
BAZNAS is currently engaged in discussions with KSrelief to establish an education program catering to tens of thousands of Indonesian orphans. The agency has shown its commitment to expanding collaboration with KSrelief through ongoing high-level discussions, including a BAZNAS delegation’s visit to KSrelief headquarters in Riyadh in May.
“In the future, BAZNAS hopes to continue synergizing with KSrelief to increase cooperation for the public through education and humanitarian programs, as well as poverty alleviation,” Sakwan emphasized.
