JAKARTA – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, held a meeting with the Chairman of the National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS RI), Sodik Mudjahid, and his delegation at the Ministry's office in Kalibata, Monday (April 6, 2026).

During the meeting, both parties agreed to synergize and collaborate to improve zakat literacy at the village level, establish Zakat Collection Units (UPZ) in villages, and develop pilot "Zakat Villages."

Minister Yandri stated that the Ministry and BAZNAS share the same responsibility in enhancing zakat literacy in rural areas. According to him, it is crucial to echo zakat literacy as an effort to raise public awareness that zakat is a mandatory religious obligation.

"Therefore, the zakat literacy campaign must be simple, logical, and easy to understand so that people are willing to participate," Minister Yandri remarked.

Furthermore, the Minister noted that the Ministry currently manages numerous programs that can be integrated with zakat initiatives. He pointed out various productive village programs—such as poultry, catfish, tilapia, and broiler farming—that generate significant income.

Regarding this income, he urged both individual and group business owners to fulfill their zakat mal (wealth tax). This ensures that entrepreneurs do not merely enjoy their profits but also carry out their religious obligations.

"I want to foster that awareness: you receive income from God, so you should give back through zakat mal. Do not just enjoy the results for yourself. These funds can actually be used to build the village, improve human resources, provide education scholarships, and more," the Minister explained.

On the same occasion, BAZNAS Chairman Sodik Mudjahid committed to the collaboration, stating it is essential to unlock the potential of zakat in villages. He added that to maximize this potential across Indonesia, UPZs must be present at the village level to provide easier access for the community to fulfill their zakat.

"There are four things we will focus on: increasing the potential for zakat collection, fostering collaboration, ensuring UPZs reach the villages, and safeguarding the integrity of the zakat funds," Sodik stated.

Accompanying Minister Yandri at the meeting were the Secretary-General of the Ministry, Taufik Madjid; the Director General of PDP, Nugroho Setijo Nagoro; and the Head of BPI, Mulyadin Malik.

Foto: Andri/Kemendes PDT 
Teks: Rifqi/Kemendes PDT