The BAZNAS Strategy in Coastal Region Economic Empowerment

Abstract

The raising of unemployment and poverty, particularly in the coastal region require a socioeconomic analysis to find the solution. On the other hand, one of the zakat objectives is helping mustahik (zakat recipients) in the economic sphere. They received zakat because of limitations in the necessity of life, both in short and long period. This research aimed to explore how zakat funds improve their welfare, particularly in the sub-district of Jepara, which consists of fourteen villages. The observation and interview technics utilized for information assembly, then analyzed by Milnes and Huberman model. The results indicated that BAZNAS (Badan Amil Zakat Nasional), as a national zakat board empowered ZIS (zakat, infaq, and shodaqoh) funds through four models. The first, the consumptive model aimed to help mustahik fulfill the needs in a short period, such as giving compensation to the poor and orphans. The second, the creative consumptive model, that gave direct assistance such as medical expenses, wheelchairs, and house renovation. The third, the traditional productive model that gave productive goods to whom has certain skills, such as sewing machines for a sewing expert and goats for a livestock expert. The fourth, the creative production model, which invested some of the ZIS funds to develop health clinics in collaboration with the Islamic University in Jepara. The results also obtained that ZIS fundraising is too small, furthermore, BAZNAS should increase creativity, innovation and notice that the presence of a companion team was important to support the success of empowerment program.