Top Indonesian Islamic Authority Rejects Casino Legalization Plan

Religious Principles and National Identity at Stake
Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Anwar Abbas, voiced strong opposition on Tuesday to a proposal that would legalize gambling in Indonesia, stating it directly contradicts the country’s religious, constitutional, and ideological foundations. "The idea of legalizing gambling in a Muslim-majority nation like Indonesia is fundamentally at odds with Islamic teachings, our constitution, and the values enshrined in Pancasila," he said.

Anwar expressed deep concern upon learning that a member of the House of Representatives had proposed legal gambling as a way to increase state revenue. “This clearly violates both religious principles and our constitution, which upholds belief in the Almighty God,” he said. According to him, the issue transcends legality and touches upon the nation’s moral and spiritual core. “Indonesia is a nation of culture and faith. We must seek halal avenues to enhance public welfare, not open the door to practices that are clearly forbidden in religion.”

He stressed that both Pancasila and the constitution serve as moral compasses for the nation, and their values must guide policymaking—not only in legal terms but in upholding the ethical and spiritual wellbeing of Indonesian society.

Moral Consequences and Economic Misguidance
Anwar firmly rejected the notion that gambling could serve as a viable economic solution. “Any form of income derived from unclean or impermissible means cannot be justified,” he said. He warned that the legalization of gambling would not only raise economic concerns but also corrode the social and moral fabric of the country. “We must not lose our identity as a nation grounded in faith and culture.”

Instead, he urged the government to invest in enhancing productivity, managing natural resources more wisely, and tackling unemployment through development in halal and productive sectors that align with Indonesia’s foundational values. “If the government takes the wrong path, such as legalizing gambling, it risks steering the nation away from its ethical foundations,” he cautioned.

Anwar concluded with a strong call for all stakeholders to think carefully before making decisions that could define Indonesia’s future. “We cannot allow this nation to be dragged into practices that defy our religious and cultural heritage,” he said.

The debate over casino legalization was reignited during a House Commission XI hearing with the Finance Ministry on May 8, when Golkar Party lawmaker Galih Kartasasmita proposed exploring “out-of-the-box” revenue options. He cited the United Arab Emirates as an example of a Muslim-majority country that has opened the door to casino operations.