Waqf forest : concept, model, development and community perception in Indonesia

Abstract

This study's main objective is to investigate the concept and development of waqf forest to achieve productive and sustainable waqf-based forest management. This study aims to achieve five specific objectives: to explore the waqf forest concept, to formulate a model of a productive waqf forest, to explore the viability of the proposed model (as in objective 2) by getting the perspectives of selected stakeholders, including professionals, regulators, and academics; to identify the strategy for developing a sustainable and productive waqf forest, and to analyze the public's perception regarding the proposed waqf forest model and identify factors influencing them to participate in the program. The first, second, and third objectives are answered by using descriptive analysis and interpretive analysis. Meanwhile, the fourth and fifth objectives are responded to using the modified Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). There are five findings in this study. First, the waqf forest is a land waqf that is used as a forest. Second, A productive waqf forest means that some of the waqf forest's tangible benefits should be utilized for the waqf development, managed by the nazir (waqf managers). The rest of the services, tangible and intangible, are allocated for the mauquf’alaihi (waqf beneficiaries). Third, there are several notes or differences between the waqf forest management model developed from literature studies and the field's actual waqf forest model. In practice, the parties who play most of the field are Wakif, Nazir, partner institutions, and mauquf'alaihi. However, BWI still plays a role in the legality and control aspects of the waqf manager. Fourth, the Bogor Waqf Forest Foundation needs to carry out an aggressive strategy. It maximizes its strengths to seize available opportunities by optimizing the existing legal institution and well-educated human resources to educate the public about the concept of waqf in Islam and its application in the waqf forest. Fifth, respondents have excellent perceptions of the waqf forest program. All variables (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, environmental concern, religiosity, and trust in waqf institutions) tested in this study significantly affect community interest in participating in the waqf forest program. This study suggests that the waqf forest should be socialized widely. It is hoped that the waqf forest can become one of the Islamic solutions to overcoming forest destruction. Waqf forest managers should prioritize legality to become an official nazir in line with applicable regulations. Nazir should focus on the six factors influencing people to participate in the waqf forest program so that more people can join in the development of the waqf-based forest program. This study is one of Indonesia's pioneering studies on developing waqf forests. The results of this study provide comprehensive knowledge of waqf forest, starting from the concept, model, and development strategy to the community's intention to participate in the waqf forest program. Therefore, the authors hope this study can become one of the primary references for researchers who will study the waqf forest in the future.