MUI Fatwa Affirms JKK And JKM BPJS Employment Programs According To Sharia Principles

Photo: Doc. BPJS Employment

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has officially declared a fatwa that the Work Accident Insurance Program (JKK) and Death Security (JKM) organized by BPJS Ketenagakerjaan are in accordance with sharia principles.

This fatwa confirms that contributions for vulnerable workers can be paid using zakat, infaq, and alms (ZIS) funds managed by BAZNAS and the amil zakat (LAZ) institution, as long as the management is carried out according to sharia rules.

The chairman of the MUI for Fatwa, Prof. Dr. HM Asrorun Ni'am Sholeh, MA, said that the synergy between MUI and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan is a form of collaboration between ulama and umara in realizing the welfare of the community.

"The BPJS Ketenagakerjaan is a clear proof of the state's presence in protecting workers, while MUI ensures that this step is in line with the religious values and benefits of the people," he said, quoted Friday, October 17.

Secretary of the MUI Fatwa Commission, KH Miftahul Huda, added that the ZIS scheme for payment of contributions from vulnerable workers is a form of social cooperation in line with Islamic teachings.

"When workers are unable to pay dues, infaq funds, alms, or even zakat can be a solution. The principle is to bear with each other in goodness," he explained.

Responding to this, the Director of Participation of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, Eko Nugriyanto, fully welcomed the fatwa.

"With the launching of this fatwa, it provides a strong basis for expanding the protection of workers, especially those who are not financially capable. Many informal workers can now be helped through the support of zakat and philanthropic institutions," he said.

BPJS Ketenagakerjaan will follow up on this fatwa by drafting SOPs with MUI and BAZNAS to ensure the right implementation and management of funds according to sharia principles.

"We hope that this fatwa will be an important momentum for strengthening the Sharia-based BPJS program and can also expand protection coverage throughout Indonesia," added Eko.

The launch of the MUI Fatwa Program for JKK and JKM in accordance with Sharia Principles is clear evidence of collaboration between ulama and the government in protecting Indonesian workers, as well as emphasizing that the social security program can run in line with the principles of social justice and Islamic sharia.

Head of the BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Jakarta Kelapa Gading Office, Ivan Sahat H. Pandjaitan, also welcomed the issuance of the MUI fatwa.

This MUI fatwa is an important foundation in strengthening our collaboration with zakat institutions and stakeholders in the North Jakarta area. This is not only a matter of sharia compliance, but also about social justice for vulnerable workers who have not been protected so far," he said.

"We believe that sharia-based employment social security protection will encourage wider participation from the community, as well as become a joint effort in building an inclusive and just protection system," concluded Ivan.