The National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indonesia Philanthropy Association (PFI) regarding synergy in implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia at JCC Senayan, Jakarta, Friday (7/10). PFI is a major partner choosen by the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) to implementing SDGs in Indonesia.

The signing by Chairman of BAZNAS, Prof. Dr Bambang Sudibyo accompanied by Minister of Social Affairs, Khofifah Indar Parawangsa and Minister of National Planning, Bambang Brojonegoro.

The purpose of this memorandum is to improve the effectiveness of national poverty alleviation programs.

Chairman of BAZNAS, Prof Dr Bambang Sudibyo said SDGs is commitment of all governments followed by structural or non-structural institution. BAZNAS will play at least in six terms of 17 objectives related SDGs, those are alleviation of poverty, alleviation of famines, healthy life, education quality, water and sanitation, and the last reducing the gap.

"SDGs  related with the charity. E.g health, in general the healthy life of mustahik, as well the nutrition and so on. Then, water and sanitation, there is fatwa of Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) that zakat can be used for the improvement of water and sanitation, particularly related to the faqir miskin, "said Prof. Bambang.

Prof. Bambang said, BAZNAS will try to create the models of poverty alleviation programs. BAZNAS has experienced in these kind of matters through Zakat Community Development (ZCD) program. ZCD is a comprehensive model of poverty alleviation in poor communities with various programs, such as economic empowerment, education, health, and microfinancing.

Previously, BAZNAS signed the commitment to define Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a reference in zakat empowerment programs. This commitment was signed by the Director of BAZNAS, Arifin Purwakananta in the United Nations (UN) event, New York, US; Wednesday (21/9). BAZNAS puts SDGs as an alternative in measuring and guiding empowerment zakat programs. (pusat.baznas.go.id; Lala/Puskas)