REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PADANG -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has requested the media to not make a polemic about the plan to deduct 2.5 per cent zakat (tithe) directly from salaries of the Muslim State Civil Apparatus (ASN) officials. He said it has not been decided yet.

"There is no decision yet, so don't make a polemic. No decision whatsoever," the president said here on Friday. 

Also read: ASN zakat plan must not bring turmoil: Noor Achmad

The head of the state made the remarks after inaugurating the Padang-Pekanbaru toll road, which will connect the Provinces of West Sumatra and Riau.

Earlier, a plenary meeting of the National Committee on Sharia Finance was organized at the presidential office. At the meeting, the president called for reforms in order to improve the management of tithe, waqf, and sharia finance industry, in a bid to support poverty alleviation programs and economic imbalances.

According to Ministry of Religious Affairs said zakat potential from Muslim ASN could reach Rp 10 trillion per year. Based on data from Baznas, the potential of the alms even reach up to Rp 270 trillion. 

Tithe funds from Muslim ASN will be distributed to the public's good, in the social field, educational, health, and also natural disasters. 

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