Baznas to Provide Scholarships for 200 Palestinian Students to Study in Indonesia

Jakarta, MINA – The National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) of Indonesia has set a target to provide scholarships for 200 Palestinian students, primarily from the Gaza Strip, to pursue higher education in Indonesia.

This program is the result of collaboration between Baznas and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology through the Global Talent Services scheme, as part of human resource development and humanitarian support for the Palestinian people.

Head of the Education and Vocational Division of Baznas, Farid Septian, said the program is targeted to start accepting students this year if all preparations proceed smoothly.

“The target is 200 students. Primarily from Gaza, but there is also a possibility from the West Bank or Palestinian diaspora in Egypt or Malaysia,” Farid said after a press conference for the Nahdlatul Ulama Scholarship (NUS) program at the PBNU building in Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to Farid, the scholarship program for Palestinian students is a collaboration between Baznas and the Ministry of Higher Education, not part of the partnership between Baznas and Nahdlatul Ulama.

He explained that financing is carried out through a co-funding scheme. Universities designated by the government will waive tuition fees, while Baznas will cover living expenses and other supporting components.

“We will collaborate with universities that have been mandated to develop this program. Tuition fees are covered by the university, while Baznas covers other costs,” he said.

Farid said Baznas’ attention to Gaza residents is based on humanitarian considerations as well as the trust of donors who specifically channel zakat, infaq, and alms funds to help Palestine.

“This is part of our humanity and commitment. There is special fundraising for Gaza, so the public’s trust must be channeled,” he explained.

He added that international scholarships are not new for Baznas. Currently, Baznas also funds Indonesian students in at least 17 countries, including Russia, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, and Malaysia.

He explained that one of Baznas’ scholarship recipients once achieved recognition as the youngest researcher in Antarctica and received an award from the Museum of Indonesian Records.

In addition to the program for Palestinian students, Baznas is also expanding educational collaboration through the Nahdlatul Ulama Scholarship (NUS). According to Farid, this partnership aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision, particularly the fourth Asta Cita regarding strengthening the quality of human resources.

He said the partnership with PBNU was chosen because the organization has a broad and authoritative educational network, while also being able to introduce Wasathiyah Islam or Nusantara Islam to international students.

“We want them not only to study on campus but also to get to know Indonesia’s moderate Islamic traditions,” he said.

Farid believes that investment in education is a strategic step in realizing Indonesia Emas 2045. Therefore, zakat, infaq, alms, and waqf funds are expected to not only play a role in poverty alleviation but also improve the quality of human resources.

“Human resources are a very important investment. This is also in line with maqashid shariah, particularly in protecting the intellect and improving the quality of people’s lives,” he said.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)