The challenges of empowering waqf land in Indonesia: an analytical network process analysis

Purpose: This paper aims to identify the factors that hinder the successful empowerment of waqf land in Indonesia empirically by applying the analytic networking process (ANP). Design/methodology/approach: In this study, after the waqf land problem criteria were introduced, an ANP model was developed and applied to identify the main problem, solution and strategy as a framework to guide stakeholders to produce policy recommendations appropriately and optimally. Findings: The results showed that the main priority of the problem is the nadzir aspect. Furthermore, each criterion’s problems are a low public trust, unprofessional nadzir (waqf manager), a huge number of idle waqf lands, the absence of waqf certificates and non-economic waqf lands utilisation. Meanwhile, the main priorities for each aspect of the solution are socialisation and education to the community, nadzir certification, utilisation of information technology for the administration of waqf land governance, waqf land certification and innovation of waqf land development projects. Then, the long-term strategic priority is optimising the community’s role in the empowerment of waqf land. Research limitations/implications: The development of the ANP model would give the institutions a modest, flexible and convenient approach to evaluate the barriers present in waqf land. However, ANP requires greater effort because it is a highly complex methodology that compels a study to use more numerical calculations in assessing composite priorities. Originality/value: Not many studies on waqf land issues in Indonesia have been discussed empirically. Most of these studies are in the form of descriptive studies. This study introduces the ANP approach to illustrate the main problems of waqf land empowerment in Indonesia. ANP is a new approach to the decision-making process through a process that produces a general framework for treating decisions without making assumptions regarding independence between elements.