Indonesia's Baznas clarifies $22B Palestinian scholarship fund is separate from domestic aid

The National Zakat Agency (Baznas) of Indonesia has clarified that its provision of $22 billion in scholarships for Palestinian students is entirely funded by public donations for humanitarian causes and does not impact domestic zakat allocations. Baznas Chairman Sodiq Mudjahid emphasized that these funds are separate from those designated for Indonesian needs.

"The funds are large for Palestine because of the Indonesian people's concern, and it does not interfere with domestic funds, which might not be as large as those for Palestine," Sodiq stated at the Indonesian Muslim Congress in Jakarta. He explained that public donations specifically for Palestine channeled through Baznas have accumulated to approximately $200 billion, reflecting significant Indonesian empathy for the Palestinian humanitarian crisis.

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The funds are large for Palestine because of the Indonesian people's concern, and it does not interfere with domestic funds, which might not be as large as those for Palestine.

This scholarship program is part of Indonesia's broader commitment to supporting Palestine. The initiative was formally acknowledged by the President of Indonesia through the Minister of State Secretary. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and Baznas recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to manage the $22 billion scholarship fund.

KH M Cholil Nafis, Deputy Chairman of MUI, highlighted that the program extends beyond mere logistical aid. It serves as a strategic effort to enhance cultural diplomacy and cultivate future leaders for Palestine. "We are helping Palestinian youth who will become future leaders by providing scholarships in Indonesia. Through their presence on our campuses, positive exchanges of ideas occur. Indonesian values of peace, diversity, and nationhood are expected to be absorbed for Palestine's future development," Nafis said. He reiterated the consistent support from Indonesian components and scholars for Palestinian independence through both political diplomacy and tangible actions.

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We are helping Palestinian youth who will become future leaders by providing scholarships in Indonesia. Through their presence on our campuses, positive exchanges of ideas occur. Indonesian values of peace, diversity, and nationhood are expected to be absorbed for Palestine's future development.