Management Studies and Business Journal
Vol. 3 No. 8 (2026): Management Studies and Business Journal (PRODUCTIVITY)

Reimagining Islamic Social Finance: Institutional Architecture of Waqf Banks in Indonesia

Iwan Agustiawan Fuad (IAI SEBI, Indonesia)
Sigit Pramono (IAI SEBI, Indonesia)
MUHAMAD FAUZI (Institut Teknologi dan Bisnis Ahmad Dahlan Jakarta, Indonesia)
Mohammadtahir Cheumar (Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Kedah Malaysia)
Yusuf Haji Othman (Universiti Islam Antarbangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Malaysia)
Muhamad Akbar Hanif (Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Aug 2026

Abstract

The development of Islamic social finance has attracted increasing attention as an alternative mechanism to address socioeconomic challenges through sustainable and inclusive financial instruments. Waqf, as a fundamental Islamic social finance instrument, has significant potential to promote economic empowerment and social welfare; however, its transformation into productive and sustainable financial institutions remains limited, particularly in Indonesia. This study aims to analyse the institutional architecture of Waqf Banks in Indonesia by identifying essential structural, governance, operational, and regulatory dimensions that support their establishment and sustainability. This research employs a qualitative Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach by reviewing 73 articles indexed in the Indonesian national journal database (SINTA). Through a systematic screening and eligibility process, six articles were selected as the most relevant studies for thematic analysis. The findings reveal that effective Waqf Bank development requires an integrated institutional framework involving governance mechanisms, ownership structures, sustainable capital mobilisation, Shariah-compliant transaction models, risk management, and regulatory harmonisation. The review further identifies a fundamental tension between waqf’s social mission and financial sustainability requirements, highlighting the need for a hybrid institutional model. This study contributes to Islamic social finance literature by conceptualising Waqf Banks as a bridge between charitable endowment systems and modern Islamic financial ecosystems. The findings provide insights for policymakers, waqf authorities, and Islamic financial institutions in developing sustainable Waqf Bank models in Indonesia.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

productivity

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Management Studies and Business Journal (PRODUCTIVITY) reviewed covers theoretical and applied research in the field of Management and Business. Priority is given to those articles which satisfy the main scope of the journal, and have an impact in the research areas of interest. PRODUCTIVITY Journal ...