Fauzi Bowo arranges 'open house'; no more alms distribution
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 08/31/2011 5:09 PM
Differing from past practices of distributing alms for the poor, known as ‘zakat’, which were often marred by stampedes and violent incidents, Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo decided to abolish alms distribution this year and instead hold an open house at his official residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta.
“This year, [Fauzi] wants an open house after learning that direct alms distribution in the past oftentimes did more harm than good,” Jakarta spokesman Cucu Ahmad Kurnia.
”The Governor prefers to channel alms through other means [during Idul Fitri]," said Cucu on Wednesday as quoted by kompas.com .
The open house was held from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.. after Fauzi and his wife paid visits to the Presidential Palace, the residence of Vice President Boediono, the residence of the Home Minister and the residence of former Jakarta governor Wiyogo Atmodarminto.
After the open house, Fauzi is scheduled to pay visits to the residence of former president B.J. Habibie and the residence of former governor Sutiyoso later in the evening.
