PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan invited the public to make zakat, infak, and alms as instruments to reduce social inequality through the distribution of assistance from the Bandung City National Zakat Collection Agency (22/7/2026).

On this occasion, the Bandung City National Zakat Agency distributed aid to around 1,260 beneficiaries with a value of around IDR 1.1 billion.

Muhammad Farhan appreciated the consistency of the Bandung City National Zakat Agency in supporting various social programs for the community.

According to Farhan, transparent and targeted zakat management can provide real benefits to those in need.

"We regularly implement this program, and thank God, the community truly feels its benefits. I also appreciate the Bandung City Baznas, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the entire Bandung City Government for demonstrating their commitment to increasing zakat collection and distribution," said Farhan.

He emphasized that aid distribution must prioritize meeting the community's basic needs, including welfare, education, and health services.

"These three things must be prioritized when we distribute humanitarian aid. People in genuine need must be ensured access to basic necessities, education, and healthcare," he said.

Farhan also promotes economic empowerment programs so that business capital assistance can create independence and improve welfare in a sustainable manner.

"Empowerment assistance must foster independence. Business capital assistance must be used to develop businesses, not simply increase consumption," he said.

In addition, Farhan reminded the public to be aware of the rise of online gambling and illegal online loans by increasing digital literacy and financial literacy.

"Currently, the biggest challenge isn't just providing assistance, but also building digital and financial literacy. Many people end up trapped by online loans and even online gambling due to a lack of understanding of how to manage their finances and use technology wisely," he said.

Farhan added that zakat is an obligatory form of worship that must be managed in a trustworthy, transparent manner and provide broad benefits to the community.

"If taxes are an obligation to the state, then zakat is an obligation to Allah SWT. Therefore, its management must be trustworthy, transparent, and its benefits truly felt by the community," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Bandung City National Zakat Agency, Momon, reported that the collection of zakat, infaq, and alms from January to June 2026 reached around IDR 13.45 billion.

The funds amounting to Rp10.21 billion have been distributed to approximately 33,484 beneficiaries through health, education, economic empowerment, social assistance, handling of uninhabitable houses, disasters, and stunting programs.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)