Jakarta, 29 January 2026 - The National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS) held an official audience meeting with STAI Putra Galuh Ciamis to explore potential strategic cooperation in the fields of education, research, and zakat management development. The meeting took place in a constructive and collaborative atmosphere, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening the role of higher education in supporting professional zakat governance.

The delegation from STAI Putra Galuh Ciamis was led by the Chairman of STAI Putra Galuh Ciamis, Dr. H. Rahmat Hidayat, M.Pd, accompanied by the Vice Chairman II, Hj. Ani Herniawati, S.Pd., M.Pd, and the Head of the Sharia Business Management (MBS) Study Program, Kikin Mutaqin, M.Pd. Meanwhile, BAZNAS was represented by officials from the Bureau of Coordination, Cooperation, and Harmonization, the Directorate of ZIS Research and Development (DSKL) at the National Level, and the Directorate of Distribution.

During the meeting, both parties discussed the prospects for institutional cooperation, particularly in the form of scholarship programs for students and the establishment of a Zakat Management Laboratory (Laboratorium Manajemen Zakat) at STAI Putra Galuh Ciamis. The proposed laboratory is expected to serve as a center for learning, research, and practical training in zakat management, while also contributing to the development of competent human resources in the zakat sector. The collaboration is also envisioned to support the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, including education, research, and community service, through applied research, student internships, and joint programs aligned with national zakat development priorities.

As a follow-up to the audience, both institutions agreed to proceed with the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU will outline the scope and mechanisms of cooperation and is planned to be formally signed once the drafting process has been completed. This initiative reflects BAZNAS’s ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships with higher education institutions in order to enhance zakat literacy, improve governance quality, and expand the impact of zakat for sustainable social and economic development in Indonesia.