TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Jambi to build power plants using alms

The Jambi administration, in collaboration with the National Alms Agency (Baznas), plans to develop four mini-hydropower plants in 2018.

Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post)
Jambi
Tue, November 7, 2017

Share This Article

Change Size

Jambi to build power plants using alms Jambi Governor Zumi Zola Zulkifli (center) and Jambi Public Works and Public Housing Agency head Arfan (left) talk to an official during a visit to the Teluk Serdang Bridge project in Harapanmakmur village in Rantaurasau, East Tanjungjabung Timur, Jambi, on Nov. 1. Zumi said a number of infrastructure projects would be given priority in 2018, including Ujung Jabung Port in East Tanjungjabung, Depati Parbo Airport in Kerinci and the Batanghari III Bridge in Muarojambi. (Antara/Wahdi Septiawan)

T

he Jambi administration, in collaboration with the National Alms Agency (Baznas), plans to develop four mini-hydropower plants (PLTMH) in 2018.

The administration and Baznas have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the plan.

In the first phase, the four power plants will be built in four villages in Merangin and Sarolangun regencies.

Jambi Governor Zumi Zola said Tuesday the projects would use alms collected by Baznas, as well as UNDP and UN aid.

"With this pilot project, it is hoped that villages that currently have no electricity can enjoy electricity, thanks to the renewable-energy powered plants," he said.

The projects will not use the Jambi provincial budget, he said. The concept of using alms, he added, is unprecedented.

"Zakat [alms] is not only for staple food but also for other public interests. It is allowed by law and by religion," Zumi said.

Read also: Indonesia needs to realize its sharia economy potential

Providing electricity to the poor who don't have access to electricity is also a form of alms disbursement, he said.

Baznas commissioner Nana Mintarti said the agency would disburse Rp 4.7 billion (US$348,000) for the project.

"It is permissible" to use Baznas funds for the project, Nana said. (bbs)

{

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.