PBNU Chairman Says President's Sacrificial Cattle Aid from State Budget is Acceptable
PBNU Chairman Ahmad Fahrur Rozi (Gus Fahrur) has commented on the use of state budget (APBN) to purchase sacrificial cattle under the Presidential Assistance (Banpres) program. He stated that using APBN is permissible if intended for public welfare, not for image-building.
“If the sacrificial cattle aid comes from an official government social assistance program and is carried out transparently in accordance with APBN regulations, then it is perfectly acceptable. However, it should be distributed evenly to those most in need so that the benefits truly reach the common people,” Gus Fahrur said when contacted on Friday, 29 May 2026.
Gus Fahrur then discussed Islamic jurisprudence regarding the use of APBN for sacrificial purposes. He stated it is permissible as long as it is not for personal or image-building interests.
“In Islamic jurisprudence, the public treasury or state funds may be used for public welfare, including aiding the poor and religious social outreach, if deemed beneficial to society. Therefore, the government can assist in providing sacrificial animals as a form of social service, provided it is done transparently, without excess, and without neglecting other essential community needs. The key is the intention of public welfare, not personal or image-building interests,” he said.
Gus Fahrur further suggested that such state-funded sacrifices should prioritise marginalised communities, pesantren, orphanages, and underprivileged regions. He also stressed that the use of APBN should be clearly communicated to the public from the outset.
“I believe it is better if assistance is prioritised for marginalised communities, pesantren, orphanages, and underdeveloped areas so that the benefits reach those who truly need them,” Gus Fahrur said.
“I think it is advisable for the public to be openly informed from the start that the distribution is part of a government aid programme through the President for Eid al-Adha, not a personal sacrifice. This would prevent any perception of excessive image-building and ensure the aid reaches small communities and areas in greater need,” he added.
The Presidential Palace clarified that President Prabowo Subianto’s sacrificial cattle distribution for this year’s Eid al-Adha is part of the Presidential Assistance (Banpres) social aid programme. The aid has been a longstanding annual practice.
Juri Ardiantoro, Deputy Minister of the State Secretariat (Wamensesneg), provided this explanation in response to public queries regarding the use of APBN for Prabowo’s sacrificial cattle. He stated the cattle are government aid to enable citizens, particularly those in need, to celebrate Eid al-Adha by partaking in sacrificial meat.
“The President’s sacrificial cattle is government assistance to the public. The aim is for those in need to celebrate Eid al-Adha by sharing in the sacrificial meat,” Juri said in a statement on Wednesday, 27 May.
This year, 1,098 cattle were distributed by Prabowo across Indonesia. As public aid, the use of Banpres budget allocations is deemed standard practice, consistent with previous government administrations.
Juri stressed the cattle aid was not for Prabowo’s personal interests but entirely distributed to communities nationwide. The government aims for citizens to directly experience state presence, especially through religious occasions with high social value like Eid al-Adha.
Juri also noted that personally, Prabowo still performs his own sacrificial ritual using personal funds, with the meat also distributed to the public.