MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution distributed Zakat, Infaq, and Sadaqah (ZIS) assistance worth Rp3.5 billion to 5,051 beneficiaries across various regions of North Sumatra. The distribution reflects the joint commitment of the North Sumatra Provincial Government and the National Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) of North Sumatra to strengthen social protection while improving public welfare through the professional and targeted management of zakat funds.
The symbolic handover took place during the distribution of second-quarter 2026 ZIS assistance on Tuesday (June 30, 2026) at Raja Inal Siregar Hall, the Office of the Governor of North Sumatra, Jalan Pangeran Diponegoro No. 30, Medan.
The event marked another important milestone in strengthening cooperation between the North Sumatra Provincial Government and BAZNAS to maximize the potential of zakat, infaq, and sadaqah as instruments for community economic empowerment. It also reaffirmed the government's tangible commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through sustainable social assistance programs.
Bobby Appreciates BAZNAS' Commitment
On the occasion, Bobby Nasution expressed his appreciation for BAZNAS North Sumatra for its consistent efforts in collecting and distributing zakat funds to eligible beneficiaries. According to him, proper zakat management not only improves people's quality of life but also strengthens the spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance within society.
"We highly appreciate the work of BAZNAS North Sumatra in distributing zakat funds. We hope this initiative will also encourage more people, including those within the provincial government, to fulfill their zakat obligations," Bobby said.
He noted that increasing awareness among civil servants and the wider community to pay zakat would significantly expand its social impact. Therefore, the provincial government continues to encourage residents to channel their zakat through official institutions to ensure greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability in fund management.
Government Targets Higher Zakat Collection
Bobby revealed that the provincial government and BAZNAS have set a target of collecting Rp29 billion in zakat funds throughout 2026. The target forms part of broader efforts to optimize North Sumatra's vast zakat potential and expand its benefits to more communities.
He emphasized that the province's substantial zakat potential must be accompanied by greater public awareness of paying zakat through authorized institutions, ensuring that collected funds are distributed effectively to those who genuinely need assistance.
According to Bobby, zakat is not merely a religious obligation but also an important instrument for reducing economic hardship, strengthening social cohesion, and supporting community empowerment programs.
"Zakat should help ease the burden of the people. Collaboration must not remain merely a slogan or something we mention during ceremonial events. It must be reflected through concrete action. Our ultimate goal is the welfare of our people," he said.
Bobby added that close collaboration among the government, BAZNAS, businesses, and the community is essential to accelerating social welfare development in North Sumatra. He expressed hope that every stakeholder would contribute according to their respective capacities so that the benefits of zakat could reach more people.
Besides providing consumptive assistance to those in need, zakat funds are also expected to increasingly support productive economic empowerment programs, enabling beneficiaries to improve their livelihoods sustainably.
BOBBY ENCOURAGES CIVIL SERVANTS TO PAY ZAKAT: North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution calls on the public and provincial government employees to fulfill their zakat obligations in support of community welfare through collaborative efforts. (PHOTO: YT. Hariono)
BAZNAS Programs Support Provincial Development
Meanwhile, Chairman of BAZNAS North Sumatra Mohammad Hatta stated that the second-quarter 2026 ZIS distribution reflects the strong partnership between the provincial government and BAZNAS in advancing community welfare.
According to him, the collaboration is also part of the shared vision of "Kolaborasi Sumut Berkah," which serves as a guiding principle for development across multiple sectors in North Sumatra.
He explained that all BAZNAS North Sumatra programs have been aligned with the provincial government's development agenda under the 2025–2029 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD).
"BAZNAS operates through five flagship programs: Sumut Makmur (community economic empowerment), Sumut Sehat (healthcare), Sumut Cerdas (education), Sumut Peduli (humanitarian and social assistance), and Sumut Takwa (religious education and guidance)," Hatta said.
Through these five pillars, BAZNAS North Sumatra aims not only to provide social assistance but also to improve human resources, healthcare services, economic development, and religious values throughout society.
Hatta added that every program is designed based on the actual needs of the community to ensure that zakat, infaq, and sadaqah funds provide long-term benefits for mustahik.
ZIS Assistance Reaches Thousands of Mustahik
Mohammad Hatta also presented the 2026 fundraising achievements from Zakat, Infaq, Sadaqah (ZIS), and other Religious Social Funds (DSKL). As of Sunday, June 29, 2026, BAZNAS North Sumatra had collected Rp6.171 billion.
The funds have been distributed through various programs covering social welfare, economic empowerment, education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, and religious development for eligible beneficiaries.
For the second quarter of 2026, BAZNAS North Sumatra allocated Rp3.5 billion in assistance to 5,051 mustahik across different regions of North Sumatra.
The figures demonstrate BAZNAS' commitment to ensuring that zakat funds entrusted by the public are promptly distributed through programs that deliver tangible benefits to those in need.
"BAZNAS North Sumatra remains committed to managing zakat, infaq, and sadaqah professionally, transparently, and effectively for the benefit of society," he said.
This commitment serves as the foundation for strengthening BAZNAS' institutional capacity, increasing public trust among muzaki, and expanding the social impact of zakat. With continued support from the North Sumatra Provincial Government and all stakeholders, zakat collection and distribution are expected to grow steadily, contributing significantly to poverty alleviation, economic empowerment of the Muslim community, and sustainable improvements in public welfare. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala