Baznas Integrates AI and Gaming into Digital Education

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) has launched the Cendekia Digital Academy (CDA), a program designed to strengthen digital education by developing educational games powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gamification. The initiative aims to teach core school subjects while promoting zakat literacy.

Rizaludin Kurniawan, Baznas's lead for collection, said on Saturday, January 24, 2026, that the CDA is Baznas’s effort to respond to rapid digital transformation and to encourage innovative learning methods relevant to the younger generation by combining play with structured study.

“The Cendekia Digital Academy is one of Baznas’s efforts to introduce the concepts of smart play and smart giving through educational games for a caring generation. For Baznas, this program is important because its presence is truly intended to foster social awareness,” Rizaludin said, as quoted by Antara.

He noted that the program is highly relevant and strategic amid the accelerating pace of digital transformation, particularly in education. “The use of technology is considered key to reaching the younger generation with more effective learning methods,” he added.

The launch of CDA coincides with Baznas’s 25th anniversary, a milestone that the agency is using to reaffirm its focus on channeling zakat toward education as part of broader community empowerment efforts.

“Baznas’s main focus remains on the poor, particularly ensuring that those who are unable to afford schooling can access education through zakat funds. Beyond helping students, Baznas also seeks to empower teachers by enhancing their capacity and competence through mentoring. This is the breakthrough we want to continue to push as Baznas enters its 25th year,” Rizaludin said.

He emphasized that the program also serves as a platform for teachers to develop competencies in zakat literacy, raise awareness about zakat, and strengthen other areas of learning.

“With these steps, we hope that Islamic and humanitarian values will continue to grow, producing a generation that is intelligent, faithful, and caring,” Rizaludin said. ***