ACTNews, JAKARTA – The pandemic has hampered economic growth in Indonesia. As ANTARA reported, Bank Indonesia (BI) estimates that the Indonesian economy will experience a contraction of minus four percent in the second quarter of 2020 due to a decline in economic activity caused by Covid-19 pandemic.

"Our estimation, based on our data, shows that Indonesia's economic contraction is around four percent," Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo said when announcing the results of the Board of Governors' Meeting in Jakarta on Thursday (7/16). He added, based on the results of Bank Indonesia's assessment, the contraction of domestic economic growth occurred in April and May 2020 when the government implemented the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) to stop the spread of Covid-19.

However, as Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT) team noted, despite economic contraction, the number of donors actually increased. "Despite people saying that this is a difficult time, our donors increased by 153% compared to last year although the amount of donations only increased by 19%. This proves that our nation is a generous nation," explained ACT President Ibnu Khajar during the Best Qurbani Center event on Thursday (7/16).

One of the children bringing free rice from ACT to his home in Warakas, North Jakarta. (ACTNews / Reza Mardhani)

These benefactors are scattered throughout Indonesia, and most of them are in Jakarta. Ibnu appreciated the generosity of the community. Despite the “new normal”, the economic activities have not fully returned to normal.

"Despite the ‘New Normal’, and the streets that are already crowded as before, our society still need some time to recover from the difficult economic conditions. We, as parts of the Ummah, are ready to support the government. We invite all to show our sympathy with the spirit of 'Increase Alms, Grow Blessings', "said Ibnu.

Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria who attended the event welcomed ACT’s contribution positively. He called this generosity a good and extraordinary contribution.

"This shows a good contribution, a good activity from a community. [This shows] that volunteering community can actually exist even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the midst of the economic downturn. Even when economic growth has reached minus 4%, ACT actually managed to make an extraordinary contribution. The donors grew up to 153% and the donation grew by 19%. This is a number that must be appreciated, "said Riza.

The generosity that continues in the midst of difficult situations can, hopefully, motivate others to do acts of kindness despite difficulties. "Any movement that starts with a good intention, the intention to worship and please Allah, Insha Allah, will be made easy," said Riza.

Global Qurban – ACT came up with another way of channeling generosity through the “Labbaik Berqurban Terbaik” program. Global Qurban - ACT invites as many people as possible to celebrate this year's Eid Al-Adha by helping those in need.

"We are calling fellow believers, people who care about others, and people who wish to get closer to Allah. The religion that says that the best alms is alms given in difficult times is Islam, which also teaches us to perform sacrifice. Therefore, even in this difficult time, Insha Allah, a Muslim will allot some money to perform qurbani," said Ibnu. []