MUI Issues Groundbreaking Fatwa on Dormant Accounts and Online Gambling

Significant Religious Ruling Impacts Financial Sector

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued a significant fatwa declaring that intentionally abandoning bank accounts until they become dormant is considered haram. This religious ruling was made during an audiences with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) held at MUI's headquarters in Jakarta on November 28, 2025. The fatwa considers dormant accounts as potentially being used for money laundering and online gambling activities.

Key Points of the Fatwa

1. Prohibition on Dormant Accounts: The fatwa declares that intentionally letting bank accounts become dormant is haram because it is considered israf (extravagance) and tabdzir (wastefulness).
2. Action Required: Account holders are required to either use their accounts or close them to prevent misuse.
3. Online Gambling: The MUI reaffirmed that online gambling is absolutely prohibited (haram mutlak).
4. Collaboration with Financial Authorities: PPATK and MUI will form a joint task force to socialize this fatwa among Islamic scholars and preachers across Indonesia.

Implications for Financial Institutions

The fatwa has significant implications for banks and financial institutions in Indonesia. It mandates that they be more vigilant about account activity and potentially face religious scrutiny regarding their account management practices. Banks may need to enhance their customer engagement strategies to prevent accounts from becoming dormant and ensure compliance with the religious ruling.

Future Actions and Studies

The PPATK has requested MUI to consider additional fatwas related to:

1. Buying and selling bank accounts/e-wallets
2. Financial institutions' involvement in online gambling transactions
3. Strengthening sharia law against assets derived from criminal activities

These future fatwas are expected to further impact the financial sector by potentially leading to stricter regulations and monitoring of financial transactions.