Indonesia’s National Alms Agency (Baznas) is aiming to raise Rp750 billion (US$46 million) in charitable funds to help rebuild essential public infrastructure in Gaza, including hospitals, schools, and mosques.
Baznas’ Head for National Digital Transformation, Nadratuzzaman Hosen, stated that an estimated budget of Rp750 billion is required to reconstruct these facilities effectively. He also highlighted the agency’s ongoing humanitarian efforts, noting that as of January 28, a total of 45 trucks carrying relief supplies, donated by the Indonesian people, had entered Gaza through the Rafah Gate in Egypt.
Hosen expressed hope that the ceasefire between Palestinian Hamas and Israeli forces would hold, allowing humanitarian organizations like Baznas to distribute aid more efficiently. “We hope that this ceasefire will be permanent, enabling us to rebuild Gaza with greater freedom,” he said.
The Baznas official emphasized the importance of utilizing this ceasefire to address urgent needs for water and food in Gaza. "Baznas remains committed to distributing the funds we have raised and is working with trusted partners to ensure the effective delivery of aid," he added.
In addition to providing relief supplies, Baznas is also offering scholarships to Palestinian students wishing to study in Indonesia or other countries. Last year, Baznas' Lampung branch awarded scholarships to several Gaza students at the University of Lampung.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
