The Legal Politics of Waqf Regulation in Indonesia

Abstract

This paper examines the dynamics of the changes in the regulation of waqf (Islamic endowment) in the context of legal politics in Indonesia. Waqf, as a religiously-based financial and social instrument, plays a significant role in building community welfare. This research explores how the regulation of waqf has evolved in conjunction with political developments in Indonesia. Through historical and contextual analysis, the paper discusses the political, legal, and social factors influencing the transformation of waqf regulations. The method used in this research is normative, also known as doctrinal legal research. Aditionally, qualitative approach is also used alongside.. The study outlines policy changes related to waqf from the colonial era to the contemporary period (post-reform era after 1998). In conducting this analysis, the focus is on the political dynamics shaping and altering the legal framework and policies related to waqf. Additionally, the impact of these changes on the implementation and benefits of waqf for the community is also a focal point of attention. The results of this research provide in-depth insights into how waqf, as a financial and social instrument, adapts to political changes in Indonesia. The implications of these findings can offer guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and academics to understand the role of waqf in the context of political dynamics and contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of communities.