Improving the Economy of Underprivileged Communities, Bandung Baznas Launches Bass Chicken

Since morning at 09.00 WIB, five people in red uniforms were busy in their respective booths. They prepare tools and materials for frying chicken.

The fragrant aroma of fried chicken began to waft around the Al Ukhuwwah Mosque Hall, Bandung.

This cooking show is not just an ordinary activity. This event is the launch of an economic empowerment program for zakat recipients (mustahik) initiated by the Bandung City National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas), Tuesday, January 11, 2022.

"Alhamdulillah, there are five mustahik who have been chosen for us to help with business capital selling crispy fried chicken. We named this program Bass Chicken," said Deputy II of Bandung City Baznas, Irfan Farid Taufik.

Initially, 10 people were selected which were then re-selected more specifically. Until the final stage, five people were selected to be the beneficiaries of the Bass Chicken program.

Various assessments were carried out. Not only in terms of ability, but also in terms of spirituality.

"We selected by interview test to see how passionate they are for entrepreneurship. In addition, the ability to read the Quran is also one of the assessment points," explained Irfan.

"Because we not only want to improve these mustahik in terms of marketing skills, but also want to improve their abilities from a spiritual perspective," added Irfan.

Bandung City Baznas also has a target to increase the number of beneficiaries of the Bass Chicken program. Irfan said that the Bandung C

ity Baznas hopes to help the community's economy by disseminating the Bass Chicken program to 153 urban villages in the city of Bandung.

"Currently Bass Chicken has only spread to five points. In Cigondewah Kidul, Astana Anyar, Pasir Koja, Babakan Ciparay, and Kopo. Hopefully it can grow to 153 urban villages throughout Bandung," said Irfan.

The economic empowerment program is indeed the focus of Bandung City Baznas in 2022. This was also conveyed by the Head of Bandung City Baznas, Akhmad Roziqin.

"The main focus of zakat is to eradicate poverty by empowering the economy. Zakat funds are not only allocated by distributing zakat. So, the priority of Baznas this year is to increase economic empowerment programs," said Akhmad.

Creating various economic empowerment programs certainly requires good collaboration from all parties. Akhmad added, this empowerment program requires seriousness, commitment, and hard work.

"Hopefully in the future, these mustahik can maintain their trust and be productive for themselves and their families. So that the goal of poverty alleviation can be achieved," added Akhmad.

The aura of happiness at the launch of Bass Chicken was clearly visible on the faces of the mustahik. Sinta Mulyani is one of them.

He never thought he could receive an economic empowerment assistance program from zakat collected by the Bandung City Baznas.

"Alhamdulillah, hopefully this program can help my family's economy more. Help for my children's schooling too. Soon I will be going to school," said the mother of one child.

Bass Chicken is only one of many economic empowerment programs that are targeted to be launched in 2022.

In the future, Bandung City Baznas also targets to empower all aspects of society. Starting from people with disabilities, single mothers who support the family, and converts to Islam. (din)**