JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) said Monday (August 5th) that he welcomed a proposal from the National Alms Agency (Baznaz) to declare the 27th day of Ramadan as National Alms Day, local media reported.

"As the head of state, after hearing the suggestions from various parties, I have decided to support the proposal," he said during a visit to Baznaz's office in Jakarta.

The president said the alms agency's performance had been improving and the people's awareness of paying alms is growing. The total amount of alms collected by the agency had increased from Rp 1.7 trillion ($165.3m) in 2011 to Rp 2.2 trillion ($213.9m) last year. "This is a good start," The Jakarta Post quoted SBY as saying.

Baznaz chairman Didin Hafidhuddin said his agency expected a significant increase in the amount of alms collected. "This year, the national alms collection is projected to reach Rp 3 trillion ($291.7m), or a 26% increase from last year's 2.2 trillion."

The government and Baznaz, he said, are working on a regulation to integrate the collection of taxes and alms. Baznaz is responsible for collecting and distributing zakat, donations and alms at the national level, Suramerdeka.com reported.