Indonesia's National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) has clarified that funds from Zakat, Infak, and Sedekah (ZIS) collected from the public are not used to finance the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG). ZIS usage is restricted to eight recipient categories under Islamic law. The MBG is funded through the state budget, separate from ZIS management.
Indonesia's National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) has stated that funds from Zakat, Infak, and Sedekah (ZIS) collected from donors and the public are not used to finance the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG). This clarification was made by Rizaludin Kurniawan, Head of the Collection Division at Baznas RI, in Jakarta on Wednesday (February 25, 2026).
Rizaludin Kurniawan explained that ZIS utilization follows clear rules and cannot be diverted from Islamic sharia provisions. "We emphasize that zakat, infak, and sedekah entrusted by the public to Baznas are not used even one percent for the MBG Program. All are channeled for the welfare of the ummah in accordance with the provisions of the eight asnaf," he said.
The eight asnaf include the poor, needy, zakat administrators, new converts, those in bondage, debtors in need of basic requirements, in the way of Allah, and wayfarers in need. These provisions form the primary basis for zakat management at Baznas, ensuring collection and distribution remain within sharia boundaries.
Institutionally, the MBG is a government initiative funded by the state budget, while ZIS funds come from public trusts with strict sharia regulations. "Therefore, zakat funds cannot be redirected to programs outside the asnaf categories, including the MBG," Rizaludin stated.
Zakat management at Baznas adheres to the 3A principles: Sharia Safety, Regulatory Safety, and National Safety. ZIS distribution programs focus on poverty alleviation, improving education access, health services, economic empowerment, and humanitarian aid for vulnerable groups within the eight asnaf.
Rizaludin urged the public not to be swayed by unaccountable information on zakat fund usage. Baznas maintains transparent governance through regular reporting and audits, available at www.baznas.go.id.
