Institutional Logics of Digital Waqf for Islamic Education: Comparing Indonesia, Malaysia, and Türkiye
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61159/k0err790Keywords:
digital waqf, institutional logics, Islamic education, fintech, comparative case studyAbstract
This study examines how distinct institutional logics shape the digital transformation of waqf governance for Islamic education in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Türkiye. Although the three jurisdictions share a common classical fiqh foundation for waqf, they exhibit divergent trajectories in adopting financial technology for waqf collection, registration, and disbursement. The research aims to explain this variation by mobilising the institutional logics perspective. A comparative qualitative case study design is employed, drawing on document analysis of regulatory frameworks, institutional reports, platform documentation, and academic literature published between 2015 and 2025. Three ideal-typical logics are identified and operationalised: a religious-communitarian logic emphasising piety, perpetuity, and ummatic solidarity; a state-bureaucratic logic prioritising regulatory order and centralised stewardship; and a market-managerial logic privileging efficiency, scalability, and capital-market integration. Findings show that Indonesia displays a hybridised religious-state configuration mediated by an emerging market logic through instruments such as Cash Waqf Linked Sukuk and the Satu Wakaf Indonesia platform. Malaysia exhibits a state-dominated logic anchored in the State Islamic Religious Councils, with selective market incorporation through myWakaf and the myWaqafPTPTN scheme for higher education. Türkiye displays a centralised state-stewardship logic operating within a secular constitutional frame, with limited market intrusion despite a vast Ottoman waqf heritage. Cross-case comparison shows that the prevailing institutional logic determines not only what counts as legitimate digital transformation but also which Islamic education institutions, including pesantren, madrasah, and medrese-type institutions, can access waqf-based financing. Implications for policymakers, nazhir, and Islamic education leaders are discussed.
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