Recently, the discourse on legalizing casinos in Indonesia has resurfaced. Proponents of this discourse believe that casinos could be a source of non-tax state revenue (PNBP), which could help boost the country’s economy. However, this view has sparked much controversy. One of the critics is the Rector of Muhammadiyah University Sidoarjo (UMSIDA), Dr. Hidayatulloh MSi, who has expressed his objection to the discourse. According to him, legalizing casinos to increase state revenue is not the right step for Indonesia, a country with a strong culture and religious values.
Indonesia’s Legal and Socio-Cultural Foundations
Dr. Hidayatulloh’s opinion is based on several basic principles that are enshrined in the country’s constitution and Indonesian social culture. He refers to Article 29 Paragraph 1 of the 1945 Constitution, which states that the Indonesian state is based on belief in One God. This affirms that religious values must be the foundation of every state policy, including in the economic and legal fields. Casinos, as a form of legal gambling, clearly contradict religious values that emphasize the importance of blessings and harmony in life without relying solely on luck.
In addition, Dr. Hidayatulloh also reminded that the majority of Indonesia’s population is Muslim, which has clear teachings about the prohibition of gambling in various forms. In Islam, gambling or maysir is considered haram because it can destroy morals and bring about evil. Therefore, policies that lead to the legalization of casinos have the potential to cause negative impacts, both morally, socially, and religiously, which will damage the integrity of the nation in the long run.
Social and Economic Impacts of Casino Legalization
Dr. Hidayatulloh emphasized that gambling, which is at the core of casinos, can cause various serious social problems. One of these is gambling addiction, which has been proven to destroy personal, family, and community life. People trapped in gambling addiction often suffer huge financial losses, which in turn affect social stability. This will increase the burden on the state in terms of providing social and health services for those affected by addiction.
Furthermore, although casinos can be a source of revenue for the state, Dr. Hidayatulloh reminded that there are many other more productive and positive sectors that can be used as sources of state revenue. The state must focus on developing more sustainable and long-term economic sectors, such as education, health, infrastructure, and the creative industry. Relying on gambling as the main source of revenue can have a negative impact on Indonesia’s overall social and economic development.
Seeking Alternative Sources of State Revenue
Dr. Hidayatulloh also emphasized that Indonesia, as the most populous country in Southeast Asia, has many other potentials that can be utilized to increase state revenue without having to rely on resources that can have negative impacts. One alternative that can be explored is the development of a healthier tourism sector based on cultural values and local wisdom.
Indonesia has a variety of tourist destinations that are no less attractive than those of other countries. By optimizing its tourism potential, the country can attract tourists from all over the world, create jobs, and introduce Indonesia’s rich culture. In addition, the creative industry can also be an important sector that contributes significantly to the country’s economy, ranging from arts, fashion, culinary, to digital technology.
Dr. Hidayatulloh added that the government should focus more on education and human resource development. Improving the quality of education at all levels, from elementary to higher education, will have a long-term impact on the country’s economy. Countries with high-quality human resources will certainly be more competitive in the global arena, opening up new business opportunities and creating more sustainable jobs.
Conclusion
Legalizing casinos in Indonesia to increase state revenue is not the right solution, according to Dr. Hidayatulloh. This policy contradicts the religious and social values that form the basis of Indonesian society. As an alternative, Indonesia should focus more on more positive and sustainable economic sectors, such as tourism, creative industries, and improving the quality of education and human resources. This approach will not only provide long-term economic benefits but also maintain the social stability and morality of the Indonesian nation.
By continuing to prioritize religious values, culture, and local wisdom, Indonesia can create a better and more sustainable economic system without having to rely on sectors that could undermine the social order and morality of the nation.