Indonesia, Libya To Expand Cooperation In Global Humanitarian Missions

JAKARTA, April 11 (Bernama) -- Indonesia’s National Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) has expanded its global humanitarian outreach through a new partnership with the Libya-based Shaikh Tahir Alzawi Charity Organisation (STACO), focusing on aid missions beyond domestic assistance.

In a statement, BAZNAS said the agreement was highlighted during a meeting at its headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday, during which both sides discussed empowerment programmes and explored joint humanitarian initiatives.

BAZNAS leader Mokhamad Mahdum said the collaboration reflects a shared vision of advancing global humanitarian causes, particularly in addressing challenges faced by Muslim communities worldwide.

“STACO has invited us to synergise not only in domestic programmes but also in broader humanitarian efforts globally, including support for disaster survivors, refugees, and infrastructure development,” he said in the statement.

Mokhamad said BAZNAS would immediately follow up on aid for flood victims in Libya in coordination with STACO, while also exploring broader cooperation in education and religious infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, STACO Chairman Salem Abdulsalam ElArabi Ramadan said the organisation is keen to partner with BAZNAS, particularly in providing post-disaster assistance for flood-affected communities in Derna, Libya.

He also proposed cooperation in education, including plans to establish Imam Sheikh Thahir Alzawi University in Libya, which is expected to begin operations next year with integrated dormitory facilities for international students, including Indonesians.

Both sides also discussed expanding cooperation to Latin America, including plans to develop an Islamic centre and a mosque in Brazil to support Arabic language learning and Islamic outreach.

-- BERNAMA