<![CDATA[The development of sharia hospitals in Indonesia has increased significantly, accompanied by the implementation of sharia certification by the National Sharia Board–Indonesian Council of Ulama (DSN-MUI). Although the practice is growing, but the legal basis for sharia hospital certification remains unclear. This study employs a qualitative socio-legal approach, combining normative legal analysis with empirical data to examine how legal norms operate in practice. Normative data are derived from statutory regulations and DSN-MUI fatwas, while empirical data are obtained through in-depth interviews with selected stakeholders using purposive sampling. Data collection is conducted through document analysis and semi-structured interviews. Data are analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, involving data condensation, display, and conclusion drawing and verification. This study finds that sharia hospital certification functions as a religious-based private governance mechanism with a formal institutional basis within DSN-MUI. However, it has not been integrated into the national health legal regime, particularly in licensing, accreditation, and oversight. Consequently, legal uncertainty arises regarding legal effect, accountability, and enforcement. The main issue lies not in the existence of certification, but in the absence of a clear basis for public authority within the positive legal system, creating uncertainty between religious authority and state regulation. This study recommends comprehensive regulation to ensure legitimacy, accountability, and legal certainty.]]>
