Key points:
- MUI says proposal clashes with Islamic teachings and Pancasila
- Religious leaders urge government to pursue lawful alternatives to boost revenue
- Concerns raised over potential damage to social and moral foundations
Indonesia’s most senior Islamic council has spoken out firmly against a recent suggestion to legalise casinos, warning that the idea poses a threat to the country’s constitutional and moral fabric, as reported by The Jakarta Globe.
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) made its position known following remarks made during a parliamentary hearing on 8 May, where a member of the House of Representatives suggested legal gambling as a way to boost non-tax state revenue. The lawmaker cited the United Arab Emirates as an example of a Muslim-majority nation that has adopted a similar approach.
MUI Deputy Chairman Anwar Abbas described the proposal as both shocking and deeply misguided. He stated that legalising gambling in a country where Islam is the majority faith would violate not only religious teachings but also the principles enshrined in the constitution and the state ideology of Pancasila.
He added that the issue extended beyond legal concerns, touching on the moral and cultural identity of the nation. “Indonesia must remain a country that upholds values of faith and integrity,” he said. “We must not permit practices that are clearly forbidden by religion to shape our economic direction.”
Instead of turning to gambling, Anwar called on the government to focus on improving productivity, managing natural resources more efficiently, and reducing unemployment through lawful means. He warned that adopting such policies would risk long-term harm to the country’s ethical foundations.
The MUI urged all parties involved in policymaking to exercise caution, stating that Indonesia’s future must be shaped by decisions that reflect its religious and cultural heritage.
