Friday, January 30, 2026 – The National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS) received a strategic visitation from the Africa Muslims Agency (AMA) on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the BAZNAS headquarters in Jakarta. The meeting aimed to explore collaborative opportunities to enhance humanitarian aid effectiveness through sustainable development programs in Africa and conflict-affected regions.
The discussion was led by the Director of Research and Development at BAZNAS, Dr. Muhammad Hasbi Zaenal, and the Regional Director of the Africa Muslims Agency, Mr. Hassan Choonara. The dialogue focused heavily on shifting the paradigm of aid from temporary disaster response to long-term community empowerment.
"AMA is a non-profit organization established in 1987, now operating for over 40 years with a mission to empower, educate, and inspire vulnerable communities," stated Mr. Hassan during the session. While AMA maintains immediate response capabilities for crises in areas like Gaza, Syria, and Sudan, Mr. Hassan emphasized the agency’s strategic pivot toward solving long-term problems.
During the exchange, BAZNAS shared its "10 Priority Programs" as a benchmark for national zakat management in Indonesia. Dr. Hasbi explained the vast potential of Zakat in Indonesia and BAZNAS’s role in managing these funds alongside private Lembaga Amil Zakat (LAZ) partners.
A unique aspect of AMA's operations discussed was their "100% Zakat Policy," where the agency ensures that every cent of Zakat collected goes directly to beneficiaries, with no operational costs deducted from those specific funds. Both parties expressed optimism regarding future collaborations. Potential synergies include co-branding initiatives where the BAZNAS logo would be displayed on aid distributions in joint projects, effectively expanding the visibility of Indonesian philanthropy on the global stage.
"It is possible for us to collaborate, where the BAZNAS logo is included on distribution materials to ensure the aid reaches those in need with dignity," Mr. Hassan added. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to prioritizing "Human Dignity" in all humanitarian efforts, ensuring that aid not only saves lives but also restores hope and self-reliance for beneficiaries across the globe.