MUI Confirms President's Sacrificial Cows Funded by Banpres APBN Are Islamically Permissible

The Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) has stated that sacrificial animals purchased through the Presidential Assistance (Banpres) using the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) are not problematic under Islamic law. This is deemed religiously permissible as the funds are intended for the public good.

“Regarding the President’s purchase of cows from APBN via Banpres, I believe there is no issue (it is not problematic) under Islamic law,” said MUI Fatwa Commission Chairman Prof KH Asrorun Niam Sholeh, according to MUI Digital on Wednesday (27 May 2026).

Niam explained that, under Islamic law, the acquisition of sacrificial animals by a head of state using state funds is permitted. The Professor of Fiqh at Jakarta Islamic State University (UIN Jakarta) cited a hadith from Imam Bukhari detailing the method of sacrifice for a leader or imam.

“As reported by Imam Bukhari, it is recommended for an imam, in the Indonesian context the President, to purchase sacrificial animals through Baitul Mal (state treasury),” he explained.

He noted that in the current state context, APBN functions as a modern Baitul Mal. The President’s sacrifice using APBN is, in essence, a state-sponsored sacrifice intended for the welfare of the people.

“Thus, the state’s sacrifice is for the benefit of the public, and there is no religious issue,” he stressed.

He stated that, within the national bureaucratic mechanism, the President’s purchase of sacrificial animals using APBN is entirely logical. He compared this to other regular social assistance programs distributed by the government through Banpres.

“Technically, we can understand that, just as state funds via Banpres are used to distribute food aid to the public, there is no issue here,” he added.

Niam emphasised that the government’s move is a contextual policy. The President’s sacrificial offering among the public is expected to strengthen social bonds and enhance religious observance.

“The timing is during Eid al-Adha. This will certainly add vibrancy to the religious observance of Eid al-Adha. Therefore, I believe there is no religious issue, and technically this is a contextual measure,” he said.