Publisher

UGMUGM

Journal PCD JournalPCD Journal Abstract

This article seeks to expose incumbents tendencies and strategies in using charitable alms (zakat) in regional elections in two areas. Strategies identified include determining binding regulations regarding the use of zakat money, as well as the positioning of persons considered loyal and strategic to incumbents within the leadership structures of zakat institutions. Meanwhile, incumbents worked to integrate and interconnect government programmes with local zakat distribution agencies and attracting public sympathies through the sharing of zakat funds. Incumbents benefit from their power and legitimacy, and can thus easily use zakat funds as an economic resource for gathering the support of zakat recipients (mustahiq). With their power and legitimacy, incumbents are able to claim credit and thus enjoy greater popularity in their re-election campaigns. This power and legitimacy, as well as its benefits, are managed strategically and intelligently to avoid giving the impression of illegality and ease social acceptance. The findings of this research are opposite to those of Samantha May; where May has found that state dominance and control of zakat has met widespread resistance, this research has found that state dominance and control of zakat has not only been well-received by society, but has also had implications for politicians role in zakat management and distribution. This research, conducted through observation and interviews with zakat distributors/recipients, indicates how clientelism is formed through the government zakat distribution agency (Badan Amil Zakat, Zakat Distribution Agency), the structural/instrumental approaches used by incumbents, and the response of zakat recipients. This article takes two elections in two regions as case studies: Kulon Progo in the 2017 regional election and Magelang Regency in the 2013 regional election.

Conclusion

The research reveals that incumbents leverage their power and legitimacy to utilize zakat funds for populist programs, aiming to garner electoral support.The exploitation of zakat, a religious and social form of financial assistance, is facilitated by legislative backing, allowing incumbents to discreetly use the funds for their campaigns.While Samantha May argued that state dominance in zakat distribution faces resistance, this research demonstrates its acceptance by local communities, providing political benefits to those managing the funds.The study highlights the role of Badan Amil Zakat (BAZ) as a broker in distributing zakat money, often presented as originating from the regional government.

Future Research

Penelitian lebih lanjut perlu dilakukan untuk mengkaji dampak jangka panjang dari penggunaan dana zakat dalam kampanye politik terhadap kepercayaan masyarakat terhadap lembaga zakat dan proses demokrasi. Studi komparatif dapat dilakukan dengan melibatkan lebih banyak daerah di Indonesia untuk mengidentifikasi pola-pola spesifik dalam praktik politik zakat, serta faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi efektivitasnya. Selain itu, penelitian perlu menggali lebih dalam mengenai mekanisme akuntabilitas dan transparansi dalam pengelolaan dana zakat oleh pemerintah daerah, serta potensi pengembangan regulasi yang lebih ketat untuk mencegah penyalahgunaan dana zakat demi kepentingan politik. Penelitian kualitatif yang mendalam, seperti etnografi politik, dapat digunakan untuk memahami bagaimana nilai-nilai agama dan budaya lokal memengaruhi interaksi antara politisi, lembaga zakat, dan masyarakat dalam konteks pemilihan umum, serta bagaimana interaksi ini membentuk persepsi masyarakat terhadap legitimasi politik dan moralitas.

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File size	169.16 KB
Pages	23
DMCA	Report