Baznas Launches Nationwide Eid al-Adha Program to Empower Villages

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Alms Agency (Baznas) has rolled out its Kurban Berkah Berdayakan Desa 2026 (Blessed Qurban Empowers Villages 2026) program, held simultaneously across 103 livestock centers in 15 provinces on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

The initiative aims to transform the ritual of sacrifice into a driver of economic empowerment and rural welfare. Baznas Chairman Sodik Mudjahid explained that the program reflects the agency's commitment to linking worship with community development.

“In essence, all Baznas programs aim to empower society. We are the majority Muslim population in Indonesia, but our economic contribution still needs to be strengthened,” he said in Jakarta on Thursday, May 28, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

A total of 3,359 male livestock from local commodities, managed by 2,089 trained farmers, were involved in the program. Beyond its economic impact, Sodik emphasized that the initiative also supports food security and nutrition, particularly for underprivileged families, pregnant women, and children.

“We hope this livestock-based empowerment program can produce independent beneficiaries who are able to improve their welfare,” Sodik added. He also underlined that the program contributes to building a productive, self-reliant, and sustainable livestock ecosystem for the wider Muslim community.

Through Kurban Berkah Berdayakan Desa program, animals for qurban are raised by smallholder farmers in village-based livestock centers. Supported with training and funding, these farmers prepare goats, sheep, and cows throughout the year.

When the qurban season arrives, the animals are purchased directly from them, ensuring income flows back into rural economies. The meat is then distributed to vulnerable families, turning worship into nourishment.

In this way, qurban becomes more than a religious obligation; it becomes a cycle of livelihood, nutrition, and empowerment that helps villages grow stronger and more resilient.

This program has drawn praise from regional leaders, including Kuningan Regent Dian Rachmat Yanuar, who highlighted its relevance to local challenges.

“I think this program is a concrete example of how the ritual of sacrifice can have social and economic impact. With Baznas’ professional management, in shaa Allah (God willing), Kuningan will become more prosperous,” he said.

For communities across Indonesia, the initiative demonstrates how Eid al-Adha can serve not only as a spiritual observance but also as a practical tool for strengthening livelihoods and reducing poverty. ***