Jakarta. The National Board of Zakat (Baznas) has decided to reject a donation of Rp 1 billion ($62,990) from McDonald's Indonesia for Palestine. 

Vice Chairman of Baznas, Mokhamad Mahdum, said that the rejection was not intended to obstruct anyone from doing good. Essentially, Baznas highly appreciates all forms of assistance received to be channeled to Palestine.

"However, if it causes concern among the public, we will not accept it at all. Specifically for McDonald's, we follow the public's desire that Baznas will not accept any donations from McDonald's," he said when met at the Baznas headquarters in Jakarta, on Sunday.

Mahdum said that they have also communicated this matter to McDonald's. He said McDonald's understands Baznas's decision regarding the rejection of the donation.

"Thank God, McDonald's understands Baznas's position, because Baznas is a community institution and is assessed by the community. (Previously) the funds received by Baznas were approximately around Rp 1 billion," he said.

Furthermore, Mahdum explained that in the future, Baznas will be more cautious in accepting donations. He said that they will conduct stricter screening of donors.

"So today, we will indeed see if the donor is found to be affiliated with Israel, we suggest using another institution," he said.