Akmalal Hamdhi, Jakarta – Indonesia's top Islamic clerical body has defended President Prabowo Subianto's use of state funds to purchase sacrificial cattle for the Eid al-Adha, saying the policy is permissible under Islamic law because the animals are intended for public benefit rather than personal use.
The statement came after public debate over Prabowo's decision to procure more than 1,000 cattle using Indonesia's state budget under a presidential social assistance program.
Majelis Ulama Indonesia, or MUI, said the arrangement was consistent with Islamic jurisprudence and comparable to the historical use of state treasury funds, known in Islamic tradition as baitul mal, for religious and social purposes.
"There is no issue from a sharia perspective," said Asrorun Niam Sholeh, chairman of MUI's fatwa division.
Niam, a professor of Islamic jurisprudence at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, said the practice has strong foundations in Islamic history. He cited a hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari recommending that Muslim leaders purchase sacrificial animals through the public treasury for the benefit of society.
"In the context of a modern state, the state budget functions as a modern form of baitul mal," Niam said. "This means the sacrifice is conducted by the state for the welfare of the public."
The cleric also argued that the mechanism was administratively similar to other government social assistance programs funded through the state budget, such as food aid distribution.
"The cattle are not for the president's personal consumption or palace use. They are distributed directly to communities across the country," he said.
The distribution coincides with Eid al-Adha, one of Islam's most important holidays, during which Muslims traditionally sacrifice livestock and share the meat with the poor and local communities.
The presidential program this year includes the distribution of 1,098 cattle to 552 regions, Islamic boarding schools, educational institutions and social organizations throughout Indonesia.
Deputy State Secretary Minister Juri Ardiantoro said 598 cattle were allocated to Indonesia's 38 provinces and more than 500 districts and municipalities, while another 500 animals were distributed to religious and community institutions.
The total procurement cost reportedly reached around Rp 100 billion ($6.1 million).
The program drew public scrutiny after questions emerged over whether religious sacrifices funded by taxpayers were appropriate. However, the government said the initiative was part of a longstanding state assistance tradition aimed at helping communities celebrate Iduladha.
"The purpose of the president's sacrificial cattle is to ensure communities, especially those in need, can celebrate Eid al-Adha together," Juri said. "The government wants the presence of the state to be felt directly by the public through religious occasions that carry strong social values."