UHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — Gazing towards a brighter future for Indonesia, Lazismu, the Muhammadiyah Department for Zakat, Infaq, and Shadaqah Management, has carved a significant pathway in the nation’s battle against poverty. Its tireless efforts, fueled by the powerful force of zakat, have contributed demonstrably to reducing the impact of this pervasive challenge.
Data from Baznas, a leading center for zakat studies, paints a vivid picture. Their 2022 research reveals that zakat has played a crucial role in mitigating poverty, contributing to a remarkable 17.7% reduction.
Hilman Latief, General Treasurer of Muhammadiyah, emphasized that the onus of tackling poverty cannot solely rest on the shoulders of the state. Instead, a united front comprised of various stakeholders, including philanthropic institutions like Lazismu, is critical in securing lasting progress.
“Islamic philanthropic and humanitarian organizations are increasingly stepping up to offer crucial interventions where state resources reach their limits,” said Hilman at a Lazismu year-end reflection on Friday (December 29).
Hilman envisions a future that these institutions play a pivotal role in filling the gaps, complementing governmental efforts and amplifying the impact of poverty alleviation initiatives.
This collective responsibility, Hilman argues, goes beyond mere financial assistance. He believes that building a truly equitable society requires fostering financial literacy among the population. “Poverty is intricately linked to income,” he explained, “and income, in turn, is closely tied to effective financial management. Equipping individuals with these skills empowers them to take control of their financial well-being and break free from the cycle of poverty.”
While Lazismu’s efforts hold immense promise, the road ahead is laced with obstacles. The pandemic’s lingering grip has exacerbated poverty, while entrenched social inequalities plague income, employment, housing, and beyond. Regional development disparities widen the gap, and crucial healthcare access remains elusive for 15-17% of the population. Education faces its own battles, with 6% dropout rates representing 4.3 million children left behind. Moreover, a staggering 81 million millennials grapple with the housing crisis, lacking homes of their own. These formidable challenges demand unwavering commitment and continuous adaptation from Lazismu and all stakeholders in the fight against poverty.
In the face of these challenges, Hilman urged Lazismu and all stakeholders to not only maintain their unwavering commitment to poverty reduction but also to relentlessly evaluate and refine their existing initiatives. “Moving forward,” he asserted, “Lazismu, alongside other NGOs and community organizations, must prioritize rigorous program evaluation. We must measure the effectiveness of our efforts, constantly seeking ways to refine and optimize our strategies to maximize the impact on poverty alleviation.”
Lazismu’s unwavering commitment to alleviating poverty serves as a beacon of hope for Indonesia. Their dedication to harnessing the power of zakat, empowering individuals through financial literacy, and fostering collaborative efforts across sectors offers a promising roadmap towards a more equitable and prosperous future for the nation. By embracing rigorous evaluation and continuous improvement, their impact can only soar, paving the way for a brighter future where poverty becomes a distant memory for all Indonesians.
