Details of the MUI Fatwa Prohibiting Wealthy Individuals from Buying Pertalite Fuel

KatadataOTO – The distribution of subsidized fuel like Pertalite is still a polemic. This is because a number of groups who are considered capable are buying the product.

This makes its distribution less than optimal. Consequently, the less fortunate have difficulty obtaining the fuel.

Based on the facts above, the MUI (Indonesian Ulema Council) has issued a new fatwa for the purchase of Pertalite in Indonesia.

“The wealthy are not entitled to use subsidized fuel,” said Kiai Miftah on the official MUI website.

Photo : Trenoto

Kiai Miftah stated that the government has regulated the distribution of subsidized fuel. Therefore, only certain groups are entitled to use Pertalite.

Such as public transport drivers, fishermen, and the lower-middle class.

“In Islamic law, the use of subsidized fuel by the wealthy who are not entitled to it is haram (forbidden),” he continued.

According to Kiai Miftah, there are several considerations for the fatwa above. First, it reflects on Surah An-Nahl verse 90.

It is mentioned that the wealthy who take the rights of the poor in subsidies are violating the principle of justice. Then, Allah SWT has warned through Surah Al-Baqarah verse 188.

“Do not consume property among yourselves unjustly, nor offer it to judges with the intent to wrongfully consume a portion of other people's property, while you know it is a sin,” reads the verse above.

According to Kiai Miftah, the use of Pertalite fuel by the wealthy can be subject to the law of ghasab (forcibly taking the rights of others).

“The wealthy who use subsidies are seizing the rights of the poor and needy, so their actions are considered a major sin,” Kiai Miftah emphasized.

Government Prepares a New Scheme

For your information, the government is currently trying to limit the recipients of subsidized fuel so that it can be utilized by the entitled groups.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) also stated that it is continuously updating data regarding the recipients of government assistance.

“Yes, it's about 98 percent (complete), now all the data is collected through one channel via BPS (Central Statistics Agency),” said Bahlil Lahadalia.

Photo : Pertamina

Bahlil revealed that all data on subsidized fuel recipients is obtained from various sources. Such as from the Ministry of Social Affairs, PLN, Pertamina, and other stakeholders.

“There have been three revisions, it's almost (finished), just a little more to go,” continued one of President Prabowo Subianto's ministers.

As a reminder, the unification of data from various stakeholders aims to prevent overlaps. This way, the subsidies provided can be better targeted.