The Urgency of Optimizing Productive Waqf in Pesantren to Foster the Halal Industry Development

Abstract

Indonesia rates fourth out of the top 15 countries in the global Islamic economic indicator nomination for the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2022. As the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia has the potential to develop its halal industry. Islamic financial instruments, such as waqf, are vital to the halal industry. Many countries, including Indonesia, have demonstrated the effectiveness of employing productive waqf in Pesantren to provide financial support for education. With 37,614 Pesantren in Indonesia, these institutions can stimulate local economies through productive waqf and business ventures that correlate with local geographies and emerging potential, such as using waqf for capital business or Pesantren business units. Therefore, the economic growth in Pesantren positively affects the halal industry. However, several obstacles impede the development of a productive waqf in Pesantren, resulting in suboptimal performance. This study examines strategies to optimize productive waqf implementation in Pesantren to support the halal industry and strengthen the economy. This library-based study employs a descriptive methodology to collect data on literacy, which is then subjected to content analysis or other forms of scientific analysis. This study identified strategies to overcome obstacles in waqf management to establish a productive waqf in Pesantren and positively influence the development of the halal industry in Indonesia.
 Keywords: productive Waqf, Pesantren, halal industry