ASTRAZENECA FATWA CONTROVERSY: CONTESTATION OR HARMONIZATION?

Abstract

There has been a "counter" fatwa issued in the internal structure of the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI), responding to fatwa No. 14 Tahun 2021 Tentang Hukum Penggunaan Vaksin Covid-19 Produk Astra Zeneca. The fatwa dispute occurred between the Central MUI and the regions, which differed over the legal assessment of the Astra Zeneca Vaccine containing pork trypsin in the manufacturing process, this later became a discussion on the halal status and sanctity of the vaccine. This study examines how fatwa contestation can occur internally at MUI, and what realistic steps must be taken by the Indonesian government and MUI in controlling increasingly excessive issues? This research is packaged through library research by basing the analysis on relevant and correlative sources. Primary data is taken from the fatwa decision document No. 14 Tahun 2021 Tentang Hukum Penggunaan Vaksin Covid-19 Produk Astra Zeneca by MUI. While secondary data is obtained through news reports, public media channels and other literature that still has a strong relationship with the main issue. This study concludes that MUI must consolidate, standardize and consider various perspectives in drawing the right conclusions and not causing public commotion and doubt.