Semarang – The Central Java Amil Zakat, Infaq, and Shodaqoh Muhammadiyah (Lazismu) Institute is ready to collaborate with the Central Java Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI). During Lazismu’s visit to the PWI office, Trilomba Juang, Mugassari, Semarang, Tuesday (6/10/20), several things were designed that could be cooperated between the two parties.
Fundrising Manager Lazismu Central Java Wahidin Hasan and Territory Manager Agus Alwi explained this desire when received by the Chairman of PWI Central Java Amir Machmud NS, Secretary Setiawan Hendra Kelana, as well as several deputy chairmen, namely Ahmad Zaenal Muttaqin, Solikun, Zaenal Abidin Petir, Bakti Yudhatama, and The Chairperson of the PWI Central Java Journalist Competency Test Board (UKW) Widyartono.
Agus Alwi explained that so far Lazismu Central Java has been proactive in going to the disaster site as well as providing humanitarian assistance to the victims. Apart from that, they also build hospitals and conduct house renovations in the regions.
“Unfortunately, there is no publication. We often come early and return late at the disaster site, but only internal media publish it. Even though these publications are important to build the trust of the people who have submitted their trust to Lazismu,” he said.
He said the amount of funds managed by Lazismu Central Java in 2019 was recorded at Rp 70 billion and is targeted to increase to Rp 80 billion by 2020.
Agus Alwi, Lazismu Territory Manager for Central Java, added that this charity was only managed professionally about 2,5 years ago. There are 35 Lazismu offices in areas with a total of 490 service offices to collect zakat, infaq, and shodaqoh (ZIS).
Lazismu currently focuses on productive and long-term activities, while activities such as distributing groceries are only about 40 percent of the aid allocation.
Public Trust
Responding to Lazismu’s wishes, the Chairman of PWI Central Java Amir Machmud stated that he was ready to collaborate, among others by providing journalistic training for Lazismu volunteers.
According to Amir, publications for charities like Lazismu are still important in an effort to maintain public trust.
“Publicizing charity activities does not mean showing off, but a form of maintaining the trust of the public that has given a mandate,” he said.
PWI Central Java, which has experience in educating and training journalists from various circles and students, is ready to provide professional training.
“Not only teaches how to write appropriate press releases, but also provides training on writing articles, features, photojournalism, to content for radio and television broadcasts. We have complete and experienced human resources,” he explained. (Aska)
