LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency Government and the Labuhanbatu Selatan National Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) are strengthening their support for young people pursuing higher education. A total of 22 male and female students received educational assistance personally handed over by Labuhanbatu Selatan Regent Fery Sahputra Simatupang at the third-floor hall of the Labuhanbatu Selatan Regent's Office on Monday, September 21, 2026.
The assistance is intended for students studying both in Indonesia and abroad. BAZNAS Labuhanbatu Selatan provides the assistance in two forms: transportation support for students studying overseas and financial assistance to help complete undergraduate theses for students attending universities in Indonesia.The distribution of the assistance was not merely a ceremonial activity. The program is part of an effort to provide concrete educational support for students facing financial challenges during their studies.
Through the educational assistance program, BAZNAS Labuhanbatu Selatan is directing zakat funds toward eligible beneficiaries while also contributing to efforts to improve the quality of human resources. The assistance is expected to help students continue their education and complete their studies successfully.According to Fery Sahputra, regional development cannot rely solely on infrastructure development. The regional government also needs qualified and well-educated human resources with the necessary competencies to contribute to the development of the region.
"This assistance may not be large compared with the overall cost of education, but I hope it can reduce the burden on you as students. Keep learning, make good use of this opportunity, and never stop pursuing your goals," Regent Fery said.Fery emphasized that education plays an important role in improving the quality of human resources in Labuhanbatu Selatan. Therefore, students are expected to make proper use of the assistance they receive to support their educational journey through to graduation.
He also expressed hope that students would not stop at personal career development after earning their degrees. Once they complete their studies, the recipients are expected to use their knowledge and skills for the benefit of society while also contributing to the continued development of Labuhanbatu Selatan.For students receiving assistance for education abroad, the support can help cover transportation expenses incurred during their studies. Meanwhile, students receiving assistance for their undergraduate theses can use the funds to cover various expenses related to completing their final academic projects.

According to Yusuf, education is among the areas receiving particular attention because it is directly linked to improving the quality of the younger generation. Through the assistance, BAZNAS hopes students can complete their education more effectively and eventually use the knowledge they acquire for the benefit of society.
"I hope this assistance will be beneficial and motivate the students to complete their education. Hopefully, the knowledge they gain can later benefit society and Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency," Yusuf said.Yusuf stressed that recipients should not view the program solely as financial assistance. In his view, the support also represents a form of trust and encouragement for students to remain committed to completing their education.
Therefore, recipients are expected to use the assistance according to their educational needs. The support is also intended to help them maintain their motivation and complete their studies in line with the goals they have set.
The distribution of educational assistance to 22 students highlights the cooperation between the Labuhanbatu Selatan Government and BAZNAS in supporting efforts to improve the quality of education. The partnership is part of broader efforts to expand access to assistance for people who need it.
Human resource development through education also has long-term implications for the region. Students who receive educational assistance today can become qualified professionals in the future and contribute to regional development across various fields.The Labuhanbatu Selatan Government hopes that educational programs of this kind can continue to expand. Through further development of the program, more students in need are expected to receive assistance and complete their education.
The BAZNAS educational program also demonstrates that zakat funds can be used not only to address short-term needs but also to strengthen community capacity. Education provides an important avenue for directing the benefits of zakat toward improving the quality of the younger generation.The assistance received by the students is expected to become part of their journey toward successfully completing their education. At the same time, recipients are expected to maintain their motivation and commitment despite the various challenges they may face during their studies.
Fery Sahputra Simatupang emphasized that the educational assistance is not an end in itself. Rather, it should serve as a bridge that enables students to pursue their goals with greater confidence, complete their studies, and eventually use their knowledge and skills for the benefit of society and the development of Labuhanbatu Selatan.Thus, cooperation between the Labuhanbatu Selatan Government and BAZNAS not only provides financial assistance to students but also contributes to developing a young generation equipped with education and skills that can play a role in the region's future development. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala