The Controversy Surrounding the Halal Status of Kopi Luwak and Its Economic Business Development Opportunities

Abstract

This paper discusses the business potential of Kopi Luwak along with the controversies that accompany it. The focus of this study revolves around three main aspects: (a) the controversy surrounding the halal status of Kopi Luwak which could hinder its production, (b) the business opportunities for Kopi Luwak production in Indonesia, and (c) an analysis of the legal status of Kopi Luwak. The research employs descriptive and analytical methods, whereby the researcher gathers information from various literary sources, describes (illustrates through writing), and then analyzes the information to answer the research questions. The findings of this study indicate that the business prospects for Kopi Luwak are relatively promising, despite various obstacles similar to other types of businesses. The controversy over its halal status does not pose a significant barrier, as the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued a fatwa long ago, and the legal conclusions reached by scholars regarding the halal status of Kopi Luwak are based on strong evidence supporting its permissibility.