RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A joint economic aid initiative led by The National Board of Zakat (Baznas) of Indonesia and the Malaysian National Cooperative Movement (Angkasa) was launched at the At-Taqwa Grand Mosque in East Jakarta on Friday, February 6, 2026, to provide sustainable financial solutions for local residents. 

The project focuses on empowering communities through the Baznas Microfinance Masjid (BMM) program, utilizing the Matraman-based mosque as a model for successful, long-term micro-business support. By integrating religious values with practical financial assistance, this partnership aims to uplift the livelihoods of micro-entrepreneurs living near the mosque, ensuring they have the tools necessary to achieve lasting economic independence.

"At-Taqwa Grand Mosque is one of Baznas's partners in the Baznas Microfinance Masjid Program. This interest-free and collateral-free financing is intended to help micro-businesses around the mosque grow and remain sustainable," said Saidah Sakwan, Baznas RI Commissioner for Distribution and Utilization, in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday, February 8, 2026, as quoted by Antara. 

Saidah explained that the number of BMM program beneficiaries at the At-Taqwa Grand Mosque continues to grow, starting from 35 micro-entrepreneurs and increasing to 55, before reaching the current 64 beneficiaries.

She expressed hope that the collaboration with Malaysia’s Angkasa can strengthen the ecosystem for mosque-based community economic empowerment. According to Saidah, mosques function not only as places of worship but also as solution spaces for the community to avoid illegal online loans and harmful informal financial practices.

"We hope that the mosque becomes a place where the community seeks solutions when facing economic difficulties. With support from Angkasa, this program is expected to become even stronger and more impactful," said Saidah Sakwan. 

Meanwhile, Angkasa President Datuk Seri Abdul Fattah Abdullah conveyed that strengthening mosque-based economies is part of the effort to return the mosque's function to how it was during the time of Prophet Muhammad SAW, as a center for worship, social, and economic activities.

"The mosque is not only a place to perform mandatory worship but also a center of benefit for the community. Through cooperatives and mosque-based financing, we want to return the mosque to its role as the center of the community's economic engine," he said. 

During the event, Angkasa handed over a USD 300 assistance package, which was symbolically received by the management of the At-Taqwa Grand Mosque.

This economic empowerment aid follows an initial contribution, as Baznas and Angkasa had previously distributed USD 3,000 for community economic development at the Annimah Grand Mosque in Ciracas, East Jakarta. This ongoing partnership reflects a commitment to cross-border cooperation in alleviating poverty through religious institutions. ***