<![CDATA[Waqf has substantial potential to strengthen local economic development in Indonesia; however, its institutional governance and productive utilization remain uneven across regions. This study examines the governance of waqf assets and the utilization of waqf proceeds for community economic empowerment within the jurisdiction of the Indonesian Waqf Board (BWI) Representative Office of Semarang City. A qualitative case study approach was employed using field research. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with BWI representatives, waqf managers (nazhir), and beneficiaries, complemented by document analysis of relevant regulations and institutional records. The data were analyzed using an interactive qualitative analysis model involving data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal a significant gap between the regulatory mandate and institutional practice. Although BWI Regulation No. 4 of 2010 authorizes BWI to serve as nazhir under specific circumstances, the BWI Representative Office of Semarang City has not assumed this role and does not directly manage waqf assets. Consequently, the governance of waqf assets remains dependent on individual nazhir institutions with varying managerial capacities. Most waqf assets in Semarang City consist of land dedicated to mosques, prayer facilities, educational institutions, and cemeteries, while only a limited proportion has been developed for productive economic activities. Existing productive initiatives are generally managed independently by local nazhir rather than through direct institutional management by BWI. This institutional arrangement constrains the optimization of waqf for community economic empowerment despite the considerable economic potential of available waqf assets. The study argues that strengthening governance capacity, improving institutional coordination, enhancing nazhir professionalism, and implementing systematic monitoring mechanisms are necessary to align waqf management practices with the objectives of national waqf governance. These findings contribute to the discussion on waqf governance by providing empirical evidence of the implementation gap between regulatory frameworks and local institutional practice, while offering policy recommendations for improving productive waqf management in Indonesia.]]>
