Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia would host the World Zakat Forum (WZF) conference 2017 scheduled to be held on March 15-16 in the capital Jakarta.

The triennial conference organized by WZF and Indonesias zakat agency (Baznas) would focus on strengthening the role of zakat as global instrument to alleviate poverty.

Secretary General of WZF Ahmad Juwaini said here, Monday, delegations from 20 countries are expected to take part in the conference.

"Not only from moslem majority countries, but also countries like the United States and England would be invited to share their perspective on zakat regarding to social and economic issues, especially in poverty alleviation," Ahmad said.

Meanwhile, Baznas chairman Bambang Sudibyo said, WZF conference is expected to bring positive impact to the countrys zakat management.

"WZF conference 2017 in Indonesia would play significant role on national zakat management, to convince the public and the government on the benefit of zakat," Bambang said.

The forum could become a momentum for international cooperation in distributing zakat.

"If rich countries have the difficulties to find receiver of zakat, they can distribute it to Indonesia. We are ready to cooperate with wealthy countries to distribute zakat to receivers in Indonesia," Bambang said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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