Indonesia’s highest Islamic authority has come out swinging against a renewed proposal to legalize casinos, warning that such a move would run afoul of religious teachings, constitutional principles, and national identity.
Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Anwar Abbas, said on Tuesday he was “shocked” to learn that a lawmaker had floated the idea during a House Commission XI hearing earlier this month. The lawmaker, Galih Kartasasmita of the Golkar Party, had suggested that the government explore alternative revenue streams, citing the United Arab Emirates — where limited casino licenses have been issued — as an example of pragmatism in a Muslim-majority state.
But MUI was having none of it.
“This clearly violates both religious principles and our constitution, which upholds the belief in the Almighty God,” Anwar said. “We must not lose our identity as a nation grounded in faith and culture.”
He stressed that the issue is not merely about legality or state income — but about protecting the nation’s moral fabric.
A flashpoint for deeper anxieties
The pushback underscores how gambling remains a politically and culturally radioactive topic in Indonesia. While low-level betting is commonplace and often ignored by authorities, institutionalizing it in the form of legalized casinos is a red line for many.
Indonesia’s constitution recognizes belief in one supreme God as a core principle of national life, while the state ideology of Pancasila places religious values at the heart of governance. MUI’s response tapped directly into those foundational doctrines.
“Indonesia is a nation of culture and faith,” Anwar said. “We must seek halal ways to improve public welfare rather than opening the door to practices that are clearly forbidden by religion.”
Casinos as revenue fix — or moral hazard?
Proponents of casino legalization, like Kartasasmita, argue that Indonesia is leaving money on the table. With regional neighbors like Singapore and the Philippines drawing billions in gaming tourism, they say it’s time to reconsider long-held taboos.
But MUI maintains that the social cost would be far too high.
“If the government takes the wrong path, such as legalizing gambling, it will not only create economic issues but also damage the social and moral fabric of the nation,” Anwar warned.
He urged lawmakers to turn their focus to real economic reform — not short-term revenue plays. “We must enhance national productivity, manage our natural resources wisely, and address unemployment,” he said.
No political traction — yet
So far, the casino idea appears to have little traction in parliament, and no bill has been formally drafted. But the proposal’s mere mention in a high-level hearing was enough to spark national hand-wringing — and give MUI a chance to reaffirm its role as a moral compass for the state.
“We cannot let this nation be dragged into practices that contradict our religious and cultural heritage,” Anwar said.
The Bali dimension: where culture meets contradiction
In Bali, where Hinduism is the majority faith, the issue of gambling occupies a more complicated space.
Hindu teachings generally caution against addiction and unethical behavior — and dyuta (gambling) is often referenced in epics like the Mahabharata as a path to ruin. Still, informal gambling — from cockfights to underground lottery pools — remains a feature of local life.
While there is no formal support for legalized casinos among Hindu religious authorities, the practical enforcement of gambling bans has historically been looser in Bali compared to other provinces — a reflection of both cultural variation and tourism-driven permissiveness.
Still, casinos remain illegal in Bali.
