Zakat Strengthens Indonesia: 25 Years of BAZNAS and a Test of the Nation’s Trust
By: Dr. Ali Aminulloh, M.Pd.I., ME.
Indonesia is a country devoted to worship. Mosques are full, Hajj queues stretch for decades, and zakat is collected with a spirit of piety. But the most painful irony arises precisely from this: corruption no longer merely pollutes projects and budgets, but has infiltrated the realm of worship. The corruption case involving the elite at the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia is a stark reminder that even the most sacred rituals are not immune to misuse. If the Hajj can be corrupted, then on what basis can we believe that zakat management is completely secure?
This paradox places zakat at a crossroads. On the one hand, it is a symbol of the sanctity and solidarity of the people. On the other hand, it manages large funds, trust money that is always tempting when the system is weak and oversight is lax. The question, then, is no longer whether zakat is important, but how prepared this nation is to safeguard its sanctity.
On January 17, 2026, the National Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) celebrated its 25th anniversary. A quarter of a century has passed since this non-ministerial state institution, which carries a significant mandate: managing the zakat, infaq, and alms of Indonesian Muslims. The theme, “Zakat Strengthens Indonesia,” sounds simple, but it actually carries significant demands. Zakat will only strengthen Indonesia if it is managed honestly, professionally, and with a focus on empowerment.
The experience of relatively advanced Muslim countries offers important lessons. In Malaysia, zakat is part of a welfare policy integrated with population and economic data. Zakat distribution does not stop at consumer assistance but is directed toward productive programs such as business capital, job training, and sustainable scholarships. In several Gulf countries, the management of zakat and Islamic philanthropy is handled seriously, even at the ministerial level, with strict audit standards and a transparent digital system. The state is present not as a spectator, but as a guardian of the trust.
The results are tangible. Zakat has become part of the development ecosystem. Public trust grows because the system works; The beneficiaries are empowered through sustainable programs; and the country achieves social stability through reduced inequality. Zakat truly serves as a tool for strengthening the nation.
Indonesia actually has far greater potential. With the largest Muslim population in the world, the national zakat potential is estimated to reach hundreds of trillions of rupiah annually. If managed optimally, zakat can strengthen the people’s economy, reduce extreme poverty, support education and health, and provide a social cushion during crises. This is the most concrete meaning of the theme “Zakat Strengthens Indonesia.”
However, this 25-year journey has also left behind a lot of work. The public has been repeatedly shocked by cases of corruption and misuse of social funds, both directly and indirectly related to philanthropic institutions. These cases violate the sense of justice. While not representative of the entire national zakat system, these cases are enough to undermine trust. When trust is leaked, it weakens not only the institution but also the hopes of the beneficiaries and the trust of the zakki.
This is where evaluation becomes inevitable. Strengthening Indonesia through zakat demands more than just fundraising. It requires vibrant transparency, not merely administrative procedures. The professionalism of amil (collectors) is maintained by a merit system; rigorous independent audits; and data integration to ensure targeted distribution. Equally important, the state needs to position zakat as a strategic development instrument, not merely a complement to social policy. Strong zakat requires strong institutions, and strong institutions are only born from integrity.
As it enters its 25th year, BAZNAS (National Agency for Zakat and National Agency for Zakat) stands at a crucial crossroads. It can symbolize the success of modern Islamic philanthropic governance that is accountable, professional, and impactful, or it can be left behind as a large institution on paper but fragile in public trust. The theme “Zakat Strengthens Indonesia” is essentially a call to choose the first path with moral courage and systemic firmness.
BAZNAS Day is not just a birthday celebration. It is a moment of national reflection: to what extent zakat has truly strengthened Indonesia: strengthening the weak, upholding the vulnerable, and safeguarding the trustworthy. Ultimately, a nation’s strength is measured not only by economic growth, but by its ability to maintain trust and fulfill the religious obligations entrusted to it.**
Indonesia, January 17, 2026
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