RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government expanded Religious Affairs Office (KUA)-based economic empowerment programs in Jakarta, Monday, April 13, 2026. The expansion was discussed during a coordination meeting on integrated zakat-based poverty alleviation.

The program, already implemented in seven subdistricts, will expand to 10 additional areas. It aims to bolster community economic resilience through targeted and locally based interventions.

The meeting involved the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Zakat, Infaq, and Alms Agency (BAZIS) Jakarta. It reviewed acceleration strategies for Kampung Zakat and KUA-based Economic Empowerment Program.

Director of Zakat and Waqf Empowerment Waryono emphasized outcome-based implementation and measurable impact beyond distribution. He said zakat must create real change through mentoring, capital support, and business strengthening.

“We are not only talking about distribution, but how zakat can change conditions. There must be a complete process—from mentoring, capital support, to strengthening community businesses,” he said.

The ministry noted that only seven out of 44 subdistricts currently implement the program. Expansion will target 10 priority areas including Cengkareng, Kalideres, Tambora, Jagakarsa, Johar Baru, Jatinegara, Penjaringan, Pademangan, Tanjung Priok, and Cilincing.

Subdirector of Institutional Development and Cooperation Muhibuddin highlighted KUA’s strong community reach and proximity. He said this ensures effective and targeted program implementation.

“KUA has strong reach and closeness to the community. This becomes the main capital to ensure the program runs effectively and on target,” he said.

Chairperson of BAZIS Jakarta Bahar stressed integrating various resources for wider impact. He said zakat, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and social programs must work together.

“Zakat, CSR, and other social programs must be synergized. This ensures interventions are not partial but drive more significant and sustainable change,” he said.