Wednesday, 28 October 2026
LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The distribution of zakat assistance alongside financial education in Kotapinang District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency, aims to help residents cope with the rising cost of everyday living. As part of the National Zakat Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BAZNAS RI) 2026 Zakat Programme, PT Mitra Bisnis Keluarga (MBK) Ventura, in collaboration with BAZNAS Labuhanbatu Selatan and the Financial Services Authority (OJK), distributed 270 free food parcels on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. Residents also received practical guidance on household financial planning.
Under the theme 'Spreading Goodness, Easing Needs', the initiative focused not only on providing food assistance but also on helping residents make informed financial decisions. Combining material support with financial education is particularly important because a family's economic resilience depends not only on its income but also on its ability to manage expenditure and identify financial risks at an early stage.The Chairman of BAZNAS Labuhanbatu Selatan, Muhammad Yusuf Hasibuan, S.Fil.I., S.H., welcomed the implementation of the zakat distribution programme. He said zakat played a strategic role in supporting people in need and strengthening social cohesion.
He emphasised that the targeted distribution of zakat funds should form part of broader efforts to improve public welfare over the long term. In this way, zakat assistance would not be limited to providing short-term relief but would also contribute to lasting improvements in people's quality of life.Maya Rahayu, a representative of MBK Ventura, explained that the assistance in Kotapinang formed part of the BAZNAS RI 2026 Zakat Programme. MBK Ventura had been entrusted with implementing the initiative in collaboration with BAZNAS Labuhanbatu Selatan.
She said the programme was expected to expand to other districts across Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency in accordance with the planned distribution schedule. This would enable more people in need to benefit from the assistance.The Head of Kotapinang District, Mirwan Sentosa Siregar, also welcomed the distribution of the 270 food parcels. He described the cooperation between the participating institutions as a tangible demonstration of concern for local residents and a sign of collective solidarity in addressing everyday challenges.
He expressed hope that the organisations involved would strengthen their cooperation so that more people could benefit from targeted social welfare programmes.
Alongside the food assistance, residents took part in a financial literacy session. Specialists from the OJK's North Sumatra office delivered presentations remotely through an online Zoom meeting.
The speakers explained the importance of allocating available income, prioritising expenditure according to urgency, and distinguishing essential purchases from discretionary wants. This knowledge can help families prepare household budgets based on their actual financial circumstances and ensure that basic needs take priority.The session also highlighted the importance of understanding financing terms and conditions before using financial products or services. Residents were encouraged to assess their ability to make repayments, understand their financial obligations and carefully consider potential risks to avoid placing additional pressure on their household finances.
Financial education is particularly relevant because responsible money management does not depend solely on the level of income. By keeping regular records of expenditure, controlling unnecessary purchases and planning for future needs, families can better maintain their financial stability, even when unexpected expenses arise.The organisers hope the benefits of the educational initiative will extend beyond the immediate receipt of food parcels. By applying what they have learnt in their daily lives, participants may develop healthier financial habits and make more informed decisions about managing their household resources.
The participation of various stakeholders demonstrated the importance of cooperation between zakat management institutions, businesses, financial regulators and local government authorities in promoting public welfare.
However, the success of a social assistance programme should not be measured solely by the number of food parcels distributed. Equally important are the careful selection of recipients, transparent implementation and the long-term continuation of initiatives to ensure that assistance delivers the greatest possible benefit.Expanding distribution to other districts will also require careful coordination and regular evaluation to ensure that support reaches people according to their actual needs. At the same time, financial education should be strengthened continuously so that residents receive not only assistance with immediate necessities but also the knowledge and skills needed to manage household resources over the long term.
The cooperation between MBK Ventura, BAZNAS RI, BAZNAS Labuhanbatu Selatan, the OJK and local government authorities demonstrates how social assistance can deliver greater benefits when combined with practical education. By bringing food assistance and financial literacy together, the programme aims to strengthen social solidarity while improving the economic resilience of families across Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency. (IDNC)REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
