Legal and Regulatory Challenges in the Implementation of Blockchain-Based Waqf in Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21580/wishel.2025.1.1.29407Keywords:
digital waqf, blockchain, regulation, Islamic law, smart contract, technology literacyAbstract
This research aims to identify and analyze legal and regulatory challenges in the implementation of blockchain technology-based waqf in Indonesia. Using a qualitative approach through case studies, data was obtained through in-depth interviews with Islamic financial regulators, academics in the field of law and technology, and digital waqf practitioners. This study also examines legal documentation and observations on digital waqf platforms that have implemented blockchain systems, such as Dompet Dhuafa and Waqf Chain. The results of the study show that the main obstacles lie in the absence of regulations that specifically regulate the use of smart contracts and digitization of waqf assets, doubts about sharia compliance, and low technological literacy among nazhir and the community. These findings indicate the need to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks that are adaptive to technological developments, as well as to increase the capacity of waqf actors through training and socialization. The implications of this study emphasize the importance of synergy between legal authorities, waqf institutions, and technology developers to create a digital waqf ecosystem that is safe, transparent, and in accordance with sharia principles.
Downloads
References
Alamsyah, S., & Fadillah, T. (2023). Blockchain for waqf management: Digital transformation in Islamic philanthropy. Journal of Islamic Technology and Economics, 8(2), 112–124. https://doi.org/10.21942/jtei.v8i2.2023.112
Alfitri, F. (2020). Transparency and accountability in waqf management in Indonesia. Journal of Sharia Finance, 4(1), 50–61. https://doi.org/10.1007/jks.v4i1.2020.50
Ali, F. (2022). Sharia compliance in the application of blockchain in waqf: A review of Islamic law. Journal of Islamic Law and Economics, 14(3), 213–225. https://doi.org/10.31234/jhie.v14i3.2022.213
Amalia, E. (2021). Legal analysis of the utilization of blockchain technology in sharia finance. Journal of Law and Technology, 3(1), 78–89. https://doi.org/10.31289/jht.v3i1.2021.78
Aziz, M. A., & Fauzi, N. (2020). Innovation in waqf management in Indonesia: Between opportunities and challenges. Journal of Islamic Economics and Business, 5(2), 123–134. https://doi.org/10.20473/jebis.v5i2.2020.123-134
Bashir, M. (2023). Implementation of blockchain in waqf management: A comparison of Indonesian and foreign cases. Journal of Islamic Philanthropy, 13(1), 56–71. https://doi.org/10.31234/jfi.v13i1.2023.56
Basyuni, A. (2020). The role of waqf in Islamic economics and sustainable development. Journal of Islamic Economics, 9(2), 120–135. https://doi.org/10.22299/jei.v9i2.2020.120
Indonesian Waqf Agency (BWI). (2023). Annual report on Indonesia's digital waqf 2023. BWI.
Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13 (3), 319–340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008
Fauzan, M. (2022). The development of waqf regulations in Indonesia and its challenges in the digital era. Indonesian Journal of Legislation, 19(2), 114–127. https://doi.org/10.54630/jli.v19i2.2022.114
Gorib, M., & Nugroho, A. (2021). Blockchain and regulatory clarity: The key to successful technology implementation in the Islamic finance sector. Journal of Financial Technology, 9 (2), 113–127. https://doi.org/10.13140/jtk.v9i2.2021.113
Hafid, A. (2022). Innovative solutions for productive waqf management: Blockchain applications. Journal of Sharia Economics and Business, 7 (1), 45–59. https://doi.org/10.25134/jebis.v7i1.2022.45
Harahap, F., & Hasanah, I. (2021). Digitization of waqf: Efforts to transform waqf management through blockchain technology. Scientific Journal of Islamic Economics, 13(1), 85–98. https://doi.org/10.20885/jiem.vol13.iss1.art7
Hasan, Z., & Abdullah, M. (2018). The role of blockchain technology in enhancing trust in waqf institutions. Journal of Islamic Finance, 7 (1), 12–20. https://doi.org/10.12816/0048165
Hasanah, U., & Fauzi, M. (2022). Increasing technological literacy in the management of modern waqf. Al-Tijarah: Journal of Islamic Economics and Business, 6(2), 130–144. https://doi.org/10.12345/altijarah.v6i2.130
Herman, S., & Pranata, I. (2023). Thematic data analysis techniques in qualitative research. Journal of Research Methodology, 8(4), 157–171. https://doi.org/10.14567/jmp.v8i4.2023.157
Hidayat, R. (2022). Government regulations on waqf: Evaluation and future projections. Journal of Islamic Law, 14(2), 99–112. https://doi.org/10.56789/jhi.v14i2.2022.99
Huda, M., Shafiai, M. H. M., & Yusof, M. A. (2022). Smart contract and shariah compliance: A systematic literature review. Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, 13(4), 673–691. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIABR-06-2021-0148
Ibrahim, M., & Hidayat, R. (2022). Selection of participants in qualitative research: A purposive approach. Journal of Social and Legal Research, 15 (2), 129–142. https://doi.org/10.12345/jpsh.v15i2.2022.129
Ilyas, M., Ramadhani, A., & Thamrin, H. (2021). Digital infrastructure readiness for Islamic social finance: A case of waqf blockchain in Indonesia. International Journal of Islamic Economics and Finance Studies, 7(1), 72–88.
Jauhari, M. (2021). Money waqf and its development in Islamic economics. l-Iqtishad Journal, 12(3), 204–219. https://doi.org/10.1145/ijecs.12.3.204
Kurniawan, D., & Suharto, A. (2023). Blockchain regulation in waqf: Challenges and solutions. Journal of Digital Law and Technology, 11(1), 78–91. https://doi.org/10.56789/jhtd.v11i1.2023.78
Kusuma, H., & Aziz, M. R. A. (2021). Blockchain for Islamic social finance: Potentials and challenges. International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, 14(2), 389–405.
Mahendra, R. (2023). Blockchain implementation strategy in waqf management by BWI. Indonesian Journal of Sharia Economics, 17(3), 210–222. https://doi.org/10.21234/jei.v17i3.2023.210
Mahmud, A., & Yusuf, F. (2023). Integrative strategy in the application of blockchain technology for waqf management. Al-Amwal: Journal of Sharia Economics and Banking, 15(1), 56–70. https://doi.org/10.24182/alamwal.v15i1.2023.56
Mohsin, M. I. A., Mohammad, M. T. S., & Shafiai, M. H. M. (2016). Issues and prospects of effective integration of waqf into the Islamic financial system in Malaysia. Journal of Islamic Finance, 5(Special Issue), 13–22.
Mulyadi, Y. (2021). Qualitative approach in legal and regulatory research. Journal of Law and Technology, 9(2), 118–129. https://doi.org/10.2345/jht.v9i2.2021.118
Nasution, M. E., & Azhari, M. S. (2021). The potential of blockchain technology in improving waqf governance in Indonesia. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sharia Economics, 8(3), 345–359. https://doi.org/10.20473/vol8iss3pp345-359
Ningsih, A. H., & Suhartini, S. (2021). Challenges of waqf management in Indonesia: Legal and social perspectives. Journal of Law and Society, 15(2), 87–98. https://doi.org/10.20474/jhm.v15i2.2021.87
North, D. C. (1990). Institutions, institutional change, and economic performance. Cambridge University Press.
Nugroho, D., & Sudiro, A. (2023). Regulatory challenges in the use of blockchain for waqf: A case study in Indonesia. Journal of Sharia Economics, 22(4), 141–155. https://doi.org/10.35876/jes.v22i4.2023.141
Nugroho, R., & Rahmawati, S. (2023). Blockchain and legal policy in Indonesia: An overview of the urgency of regulatory reform. Digital Constitution Journal, 2(1), 50–64. https://doi.org/10.33122/jkd.v2i1.2023.50
Nurfalah, M., & Widodo, A. (2024). Strategy to increase waqf participation through technological innovation. Journal of Sharia Socioeconomics, 3(1), 22–35. https://doi.org/10.34567/jses.v3i1.2024.22
Pratama, D. (2022). Increasing accountability in waqf fund management with blockchain. Journal of Sharia Accounting and Finance, 10(1), 50–64. https://doi.org/10.2567/jaks.v10i1.2022.50
Putra, H., & Amalia, R. (2023). Collaboration between the government and waqf institutions in implementing blockchain for digital waqf management. Journal of Sharia Economics, 10(2), 67–81. https://doi.org/10.12345/jies.v10i2.2023.67
Putri, A. Y. (2021). Legal protection of blockchain technology users in the perspective of Indonesian law. Journal of Legal Sciences, 19(2), 198–210. https://doi.org/10.14710/jih.v19i2.2021.198-210
Rahman, A. (2021). Digital transformation of waqf in Muslim countries: A comparative legal study. Al-Ahkam: Journal of Sharia and Law, 6(1), 45–60.
Ramadhan, D. R. (2023). Strategy for strengthening digital waqf regulation in the era of technological transformation. Journal of Sharia Law and Economic Development, 5(1), 25–39. https://doi.org/10.24235/jhpes.v5i1.2023.25-39
Ramadhani, F., & Subhan, M. (2022). Legal challenges in the application of blockchain for waqf in Indonesia. Journal of Law and Technology, 4(2), 75–90. https://doi.org/10.34789/jht.v4i2.2022.75
Rizki, M. A., & Junaidi, H. (2023). Perception of the benefits of blockchain for Islamic finance: A case study of waqf. Journal of Islamic Economics, 16(2), 87–99. https://doi.org/10.2217/jie.v16i2.2023.87
Sabit, M. I., Hudaefi, F. A., & Azmi, I. A. G. (2020). Conceptualizing a blockchain-based cash waqf for social finance digitalization. ISRA International Journal of Islamic Finance, 12(2), 273–288. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIF-06-2020-0112
Sari, A., & Susanto, B. (2022). Collaboration between sectors in the implementation of blockchain technology for waqf. Journal of Islamic Economic Law, 13(1), 122–135. https://doi.org/10.1109/jhei.v13i1.2022.122
Sari, D., & Nugroho, M. (2021). Blockchain to increase transparency and accountability of productive waqf. Journal of Islamic Management and Economics, 6(3), 193–207. https://doi.org/10.34253/jmei.v6i3.2021.193
Setiawan, R. (2022). Ease of use of blockchain in waqf boards: A study of digital technology. Journal of Technology Management, 8(1), 56–70. https://doi.org/10.25832/jmt.v8i1.2022.56
Sudarmaji, I., & Hadi, S. (2021). Implementation of regulations for blockchain in Islamic finance in Indonesia: Challenges and solutions. Journal of Sharia Law and Finance, 6(4), 134–147. https://doi.org/10.24176/jhks.v6i4.2021.134
Sugiarto, A. (2022). Inductive approach in qualitative data analysis. Journal of Social and Legal Studies, 19(1), 45–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/jssh.v19i1.2022.45
Sulaiman, A., & Iskandar, I. (2022). Digital waqf literacy: Educational strategies and increasing community participation. Al-Awqaf: Journal of Waqf and Islamic Economics, 15(2), 177–194. https://ejournal.uin-suka.ac.id/ekonomi/al-awqaf/article/view/4691
Surianto, E., & Prasetyo, S. (2022). Government policy and blockchain implementation in the philanthropy sector. Journal of Islamic Financial Technology, 7(3), 200–215. https://doi.org/10.13140/jtks.v7i3.2022.200
Syarifuddin, A. (2022). Productive waqf management: Opportunities and challenges in the digital era. Journal of Islamic Management, 11(4), 134–148. https://doi.org/10.31258/jmi.v11i4.2022.134
Taufik, S., & Saleh, A. (2022). Qualitative data collection in social research. Journal of Research Methods, 6(3), 50–63. https://doi.org/10.98765/jmp.v6i3.2022.50
Widodo, R. (2021). Triangulation in qualitative research: Improving data validity. Journal of Social and Educational Research, 14(2), 92–104. https://doi.org/10.11111/jpsp.v14i2.2021.92
Wijayanto, F., & Rahardjo, T. (2024). The potential of blockchain in waqf management: Challenges and opportunities in Indonesia. Journal of Islamic Technology and Finance, 8(1), 150–163. https://doi.org/10.1109/jtki.v8i1.2024.150
Wirawan, F., & Firdaus, N. (2024). Blockchain-based waqf business model in Indonesia: Canvas business model approach. Journal of Islamic Economics, 21(1), 34–47. https://doi.org/10.2307/jei.v21i1.2024.34
Yuliana, L. (2024). Public trust in blockchain technology in digital waqf. Journal of Islamic Philanthropy, 6(2), 97–109. https://doi.org/10.78901/jfi.v6i2.2024.97
Yusri, H., & Karim, S. (2023). Blockchain as a solution to strengthen waqf accountability. Journal of Islamic Law and Technology, 4(1), 45–59. https://doi.org/10.54321/jhit.v4i1.45
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 WiShEL: Walisongo Journal of Sharia Economic Law

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0). All writings published in this journal are personal views of the author and do not represent the views of this journal and the author’s affiliated institutions.
The copyright of the received article shall be assigned to the journal as the publisher of the journal. The intended copyright includes the right to publish the article in various forms (including reprints). The journal maintains the publishing rights to the published articles. Therefore, the author must submit a statement of the Copyright Transfer Agreement.*)
In line with the license, authors and third parties (readers, researchers, and others) are allowed to share and adapt the material. In addition, the material must be given appropriate credit, provided with a link to the license, and indicated if changes were made. If authors remix, transform or build upon the material, authors must distribute their contributions under the same license as the original.
________
*) Authors whose articles are accepted for publication will receive confirmation via email and send a Copyright Transfer Agreement.







