REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDA ACEH -- Proper management and distribution of zakat funds or tithe is considered to be an effective tool in addressing poverty, stated Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah.

"As an Islamic economic system, zakat has more superiority than the conventional fiscal instrument. Zakat is effective in addressing poverty because its distribution is truly for the poor," he emphasized here on Wednesday.

The governor noted in a written statement read out by the Shariah Law Department Chief Syahrizal Abbas at an international conference on zakat themed "Zakat Optimization as the Pillar of Civilization."

Zaini Abdullah stated that the Aceh provincial government will continue to step up poverty eradication efforts and work towards people's empowerment through the professional management of zakat funds by official institutions and implement a proper regulation system for zakat collection.