inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Religious Affairs, along with the National Zakat Collection Agency (Baznas), has initiated the Baznas Mosque Microfinance (BMM) – Mosque Empowerment with Impact (MADADA) program, which aims to serve as a bulwark against online gambling and online loans.

"Through BMM-MADADA, which is managed by mosque administrators, we can minimize people from falling into online gambling and online loans," said Director of Islamic Religious Affairs and Sharia Guidance Arsad Hidayat, Monday (9/29/2025).

Director Arsad said the program was designed to encourage mosques to become centers for the economic empowerment of the community through the provision of soft loans.

He believes the phenomenon of online gambling and online loans is increasingly damaging the household economic resilience. He said many recipients of government assistance are actually caught up in these practices.

To ensure targeted assistance, 34 mosque administrators from three provinces, namely Yogyakarta Special Region, Central Java, and East Java, participated in initial technical guidance.

"They are being prepared to become mentors who will oversee the implementation of the program in their respective regions," said Director Arsad.

BMM-MADADA is designed to expand the function of mosques, not only as places of worship but also as social and economic centers. Through this scheme, people’s funds can be managed by the mosque management to assist those who want to do businesses but are hampered by capital.

"Many people have the enthusiasm and innovation to do business, but are hampered by capital. Soft loans are very helpful because they are interest-free and do not trap like online loans," said Director Arsad.

He added that the soft loan fund is revolving. Once repaid, the funds can be redistributed to new recipients, thus helping more people and becoming economically independent.

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