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Deliberative CSR: Alternative CSR Concept based on Liberation Theology 

Perspective 
 

Astri Dyastiarini
1
 

Gugus Irianto
2
 

Roekhudin
3
 

1,2,3
Accounting Department, Faculty of Economic and Business, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia 

email: astridyast@gmail.com 

 
 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26675/jabe.v6i1.14508 

 
Abstract: Theories underlying the CSR concept only takes side of secular world because 
it is based on materialistic world view which directs CSR practice at pragmatic goals. 

Therefore, CSR needs conceptual development which is able to balance material and 

spiritual worlds. The objective of this research is to develop CSR concept through 

elaboration of divine values based on liberation theology. Liberation theology presents 

three main principles, namely, 1) Equitable distribution of wealth, 2) Managing earth as 

mandate of creation, and 3) Fulfilling basic human rights. The principle is taken as the 

basis to arrange the deliberative CSR concept that is able to promote a civil society. This 

research employed a qualitative approach with critical paradigm to interpret the 

phenomena and reconstruct CSR concept. The results of this research are: 1) The concept 

of tazkiah or soul purification in economic case, that is purifying human by spending their 

wealth in the way of Allah; 2) The concept of justice, as the basis to settle poverty issue; 3) 

Natural balance as the basis of utilizing natural resources; 4) Social welfare, which is the 

Prophet’s revolutionary mission through liberating human from ignorance, oppression, 

slavery, and poverty. The implication is that deliberative CSR liberates CSR from 

materialism’s capitalistic worldview. Deliberative CSR makes entity perform CSR beyond 

the obligation; which is as human necessity to actualize their duties as God’s representative 

on earth as the consequence of devotion to Allah SWT. 

Article History 

Received: 

20 June 2020 

 

Revised: 

14 November 2020 

 

Accepted: 

2 February 2021 

 

Keywords 

CSR, GRI, liberation 

theology, civil society, 

deliberative CSR 

 

 

INTRODUCTION 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become one of the most orthodox concepts generally 

accepted in the business world (Carrol and Sabana, 2010). It is called orthodox since CSR implementation 

is only to comply with legal requirements. In Indonesia, CSR is mandatory for each limited liability 

company (Lako, 2011) as set forth in Law (UU) No. 40 of 2007 . Initially, CSR is vaguely framed in 

moral and macro-social term  (Lee, 2008) and not desired by business players since shareholders cannot 

see how CSR is able to serve their interest and influence company’s performance and management.  

In the last decade, CSR is debated with regard to its influence on company’s financial performance. 

Many academics and theoreticians explain why company performs social responsibility. The stakeholder 

Citation:  Dyastiarini, A., Irianto, G.,   Roekhudin, R.. (2021).  Deliberative CSR: Alternative CSR Concept  
based on Liberation Theology Perspective. Journal of Accounting and Business Education, 6 (1),49-60 

JOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS EDUCATION 
P-ISSN 2528-7281 E-ISSN 2528-729X 

E-mail: jabe.journal@um.ac.id 

http://journal2.um.ac.id/index.php/jabe/ 

http://dx.doi.org/10.26675/jabe.v6i1.14508


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theory (Freeman & David, 1983) emphasizes that a company must manage the interest of various 

stakeholders as a strategy to maintain a good relationship for the company’ survival. The legitimacy 

theory (Deegan, 2002) shows that CSR is performed as company’s strategy to legitimize its existence in 

the social environment for it to utilize any resources it needs. The social contract theory states that 

company has a contract with the society that will endanger its survival if the society considers it violating 

the contract. 

All of the theories above form CSR praxis which only takes side of secular life, since it is based on 

materialistic worldview. Materialistic CSR praxis will be directed to pragmatic goals, such as branding, 

appreciation, or legitimacy. Consequently, the current CSR concept does not indicate that there is a 

relationship between world life and the afterlife (Triyuwono, 2016). Although able to use them.” Ford’s 

business idea as a service to society was not only mocked by the shareholders, but also by the court that 

granted Dodge Brothers’ request to acquire the maximum dividend. Dodge Brothers did not see any 

rational relationship between CSR and profit and most of the shareholders investing in the company did 

not make any difference in the society but gained substantial profit from investment. 

CSR is evidently able to improve corporate performance, unfortunately, however, CSR is not yet 

able to complete is mission as company’s commitment to social and environmental issues. According to 

Sanders (2012), the failure of whole CSR is based on the fact that this field of study deeply is instilled in 

neoliberal ideology. 

Neoliberalism ensures competition between the bourgeoisie to expand the market, aiming at gaining 

profit and collect wealth (Irianto, 2006). The consequence is moral dislocation and unhealthy conflict 

among social hierarchy, including exploitation of natural and human resources, even manipulation of the 

need for goods/services are in demand, desire commodification, class domination, and economic 

inequality. 

On the other hand, tauhid worldview does not dichotomize material world and the afterlife. Tauhid, 

which is commonly defined as Oneness of God, also means unity of humans (Engineer, 1999), and its 

promotion in secular tradition is an impossibility. Each human act, in tauhid world view, is performed as 

an embodiment of obedience of God Almighty. Consequently, humans do not only pursue material 

dimension, but also improve spiritual dimension. Therefore, elaboration of CSR concept with religious 

principles will direct CSR concept to divine consciousness (Gallhofer & Haslam, 2004). Therefore, 

religion is expected to influence individual preference regarding CSR aspect.  

Some beliefs give significant direction to ethical business practice that is able to promote a civil 

society as the ideal of all religions. Civil society is a social system growing based on faith which upholds 

the values of virtue. The society built by Prophet Muhammad p.u.b.h. is a real embodiment of civil 

society. Civil society is one main issue discussed in al-Qur’an, indicating the importance of social piety. 

Oppression removal is a requirement for promoting civil society (Engineer, 1999), since justice is the 

main characteristic of civil society . 

Justice is an Islamic spirit as a distorted revolutionary ideology in line with the growth-development 

of power conflict after the Prophet’s death. Islam loses its vitality as a revolutionary religion which brings 

justice mission.  Liberation theology comes to release religion from its establishment. Liberation theology 

is different from traditional (classical) approach which is abstract and ahistorical, and emphasizes on 

individual piety which ignores social piety. Liberation theology suggests an integration of spiritual vision 

of God’s law, which is based on the scripture, to provide alternative philosophical framework of human 

relationship with the nature and other creatures (Engineer, 1999). 

Majority of researches on CSR are encouraged by debates on measuring instrument, disclosure 

standard, and impact to company. For example, CSR’s impact on corporate value (Porter & Kramer, 

2002); (Rakotomavo, 2012), financial performance (Stuebs & Sun, 2015); (Karaye et al., 2014); 

(Waworuntu et al., 2014), competitive advantage (Lee et al., 2013), and improvement of corporate image 

and reputation (Boubakary & Moskolaï, 2016); (Smirnova, 2012). Only 13.9% study CSR concept itself 

(Croker & Barnes, 2017). Therefore, this research tries to study CSR concept critically. 

The objective of this research is to develop CSR concept through elaboration of divine values based 

on liberation theology, thus it gives ethical guidance directing to the effort to promote civil society. This 



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research contributes to improving and developing CSR concept by balancing material dimension and 

spiritual dimension; thus piety to Creator is the reason of CSR implementation. 

LITERATURE REVIEW AND HYPOTHESES 

Religion: opium of establishment or revolutionary ideology? 

Marx states that religion is opium and Nietzsche assumes God has died. Religion, according to 

Marx, only makes people only sigh with oppression and is even used to perpetuate establishment. 

“Willingness” and “patience” are understood as a form of acceptance of fate that the Creator has 

determined, while injustice does not descend from the heaven, but is human construct instead. Al-Qur’an 

firmly denies superiority and dominance which create oppression. Religion is created not to weaken 

humans, but as a life guidance for each individual to return to Him as the goal of life perfection. Islam 

calls itself sirath al-mustaqim (Muthahhari, 1993). 

Liberation theology: religious relevance in social context  

Liberation theology comes to relieve religion from its establishment. After the Prophet’s death, 

Islam became a religion which was laden with feudalistic praxis and supported establishment (Engineer, 

1999:4-8). Liberation theology is characteristically praxis and is not merely theoretical which is full of 

obscurity and abstract matters. According to Engineer (1999), liberation theology starts with seeing human 

condition in the world and in the afterlife, anti-establishment, and serves to defend those oppressed and 

gives ideology to fight oppression.  

Social justice is the obligation of each individual who believes in the existence of God. When a 

believer tries to enslave others, then he wants to be God, while there is no God but Allah. Believing in 

God automatically bears the consequence of promoting justice, since justice is rooted in Tauhid. Islam 

commands us to be just since it is close to taqwa  (righteousness) and those who are taqwa are close to 

God. 

Injustice may be destroyed through an organized religion. An organized religion plays an important 

role in building and spreading ethical guidelines which conform to religious doctrines and proposes 

practical guidelines on running a business (Brammer et al., 2007). Religion becomes believers’ guidelines 

on undergoing their life, including in economic field. 

CSR Liberation: elaboration of divine values  

Viewing CSR from the framework of liberation theology is an effort to promote holistic CSR 

praxis. CSR as a strategy is always directly associated with corporation’s core of business (Porter & 

Kramer, 2002). Consequently, any forms of CSR praxis must be directed to creating value for company. 

Accumulation of profit in the capitalism is intended to collect personal wealth, while Islam does not 

justify it . CSR wrapped in capitalism will only take dominant class’s side. Therefore, it is important to 

liberate CSR from the body of capitalism for CSR praxis to promote collective humanity or civil society. 

Capitalism vs Liberation Theology  

Capitalism prioritizes competition with the logics “the strong wins” leading to damaged solidarity. 

Differently from Islam, capitalism upholds competition to collect wealth in order to be ruling class. Ruling 

class will consider themselves superior, giving them the right to dominate, oppress, and alienate inferior 

groups. Meanwhile, Islam and other heavenly religions prioritize brotherhood and humanity with justice 

spirit.  

CSR in capitalism’s logics is only used as a new strategy to win competition, which is adapted to 

society’s hope for corporation’s practice which considers sustainability aspect. However, when reviewed 

more thoroughly, CSR is an effort to improve corporate value through positive branding as confirmed 

with an award. This is as contained in Presidential Regulation No. 47 of 2012 that company that has 

played a role in and implemented social and environmental responsibilities may be given with award. 

Meanwhile, in religious teaching, helping or giving assistance is performed by the right hand 

without the left hand’s awareness. This means that it is performed only for God’s pleasure. In addition, 



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collecting wealth in Islamic teaching is prohibited since it will deepen poverty, while poverty is the worst 

human nature. This poverty challenge must be responded by building a social structure which is free from 

exploitation, alienation, and concentration of wealth on a handful of people (Engineer, 1999). 

Civil society as the goal of CSR practice 

Since the end of 1980s, civil society got more attention and interest with regard to the fall of many 

socialist regimes previously in the East Bloc such as the authoritarian regimes in Latin America, Asia, and 

Southeast Asia (Beittinger-Lee, 2013). Civil society gives dominant role to individual as independent 

human . CSR is corporation’s program as the embodiment of their responsibility for environmental and 

socio-economic issues caused by their business operation (Stohl & Stohl, 2010). Collective humanity 

becomes the characteristics of civil society, which is upholding humanity.  

METHODS 

This research employed qualitative approach. Qualitative approach is deemed appropriate to achieve the 

research’s objective, which is CSR concept development. Qualitative tends to prioritize inductive logical 

thinking, where classification of problems is obtained from the meeting between research and informant in 

the field or from the data found (Creswell, 2013). 

This research employed critical paradigm. Critical paradigm emphasizes the importance of 

deconstruction and reconstruction (Djamhuri, 2011). This is in line with the research’s objective, which is 

reconstruction of CSR concept. Therefore, critical paradigm is the most appropriate worldview to observe, 

interpret and define related phenomena. 

The data were analyzed using liberation theology. In the book “Islam and Liberation Theology”, 

Engineer (1999) concentrates his attention on social injustice and inequality developing in the society. 

Engineer aims at releasing religion from limitations constructed by rulers, where religion is taken only 

ritual worship for individual piety while discrediting social piety. In order to achieve the aim, Engineer 

dialecticizes social phenomena with verses of al-Qur’an. 

The research site chosen was PT. Semen Tonasa Tbk (PTST). PTST was a go public company 

operating in mining sector, in which mining industry was a business activity with the biggest contribution 

of environmental damage. PTST won TOP CSR 2017 for SDG category Environment Impact Reduction 

and its Managing Director was chosen as the TOP Leader on CSR Commitment. One year before this 

award, PTST was protested by surrounding society since it did not implement CSR for four years. Based 

on the phenomena, the researcher was interested to study and investigate PTST’s CSR practice. 

The types of data employed in this research were as follows: 

1. Secondary data  

The secondary data were in the form of official document divided into internal and external 

documents. Internal document includes annual report, financial reporting, sustainability reporting, and 

other related documents from internal organization. External document was information from external 

source of organization, such as through certain media or institution. 

2. Primary data  

The primary data were data directly obtained from the source without any intermediary. The primary 

data the result of interview or observation on object studied. 

The techniques employed to collect the data were as follows: 

1. Documentation  

Document has long been used in research as data source, used to test, interpret, and even forecast 

(Moleong, 2013). The data needed in this research were annual report, sustainability report, and other data 

related to PTST’s CSR. The researcher also chose the last three years, which was period of report 2016 

which made PT. Semen Tonasa Tbk. win CSR Award, and years 2015 and 2014 when the society 

demanded PTST’s social responsibility. 

2. Observation 

The observation technique required researcher to be involved in the daily activities of people/group 

observed (Sugiyono, 2009), used as the research’s source of data. Through observation, the data obtained 



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would be complete, in-depth and the research might find to what extent the meaning of each observable 

behavior. 

3. Interview 

Interview was the instrument to prove information or certification obtained previously (Moleong, 

2013). The interview was conducted in an unstructured manner aiming at finding non-standard 

information and reemphasizing interpretation. The informants taken as the primary source of data were as 

follows: 
 Table 1. Research Informants 

No. Name Status 

1. IHM Biro CSR/PKBL 

2. AKF Partnership Program Section 

3. PE Environmental Development Section 

4. AN Biring Ere Village 

5. MR BPD of Biring Ere 

6. IS Development Partner 

7 IB Development Partner 

 

There were some initial steps conducted by the research before arranging the research design. The 

research’s flowchart may be illustration in the drawing below. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Figure 1. Research Flow Design  

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 

Islam is a revolutionary ideology. Its arrival serves as the marker of changes, not only in belief in 

the Creator, but also in social and economic life. Islam that does not care about socio-economic issues 

changes Islam’s image from revolutionary to non-contextual . Therefore, liberation theology comes to 

return Islam’s commitment to creation of socio-economic justice. 

According to Engineer (1999), liberation theology has the characteristics: First, views human 

condition in the world and the afterlife; Second, it does not desire status quo; Third, it struggles those 

oppressed; Fourth, it does not only acknowledge one metaphysical concept of fate, but also acknowledges 

individual freedom concept. 

Liberation Theology’s Perspective in Company’s Social Responsibility 

Responsibility is an embodiment of human’s awareness of their obligations on their acts, either or 

not deliberately . Humans assume Allah’s mandate, while the heaven, earth and mounts do not will to 

assume it. As the essence of its creation as khalifah , humans are assigned to be leader on earth, thus they 

are obliged to fulfil the mandate. The amanah character is not only directed to Allah as the highest 

authority in life, but also to humans. Therefore, humans should determine law fairly. 



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Social justice is a strong foundation for ukhuwah islamiyah, which is with even socio-economic 

distribution . Khurshid et al. (2014) state that all society members have the right to be given with basic 

needs, regardless of race, religion, language, skin, sex, age, health, and status. Rice (1999) states that 

Islam provides complete life codes, which direct each phase of human life; spirituality, economic justice, 

and social justice, including business affairs. 

The exploitative capitalism system causes unjust socio-economic structure, that there is no political 

justice, social justice, and economic justice. The form of exploitation in capitalist system is not compatible 

with Islam’s justice doctrine. That is why modern capitalist society cannot cooperate with Islam’s 

worldview (Engineer, 1999). There is no absolute ownership in Islam, which is quite different from 

capitalism, which glorifies personal ownership. 

Al-Qur’an and hadith clearly state that in fighting poverty, ownership is not absolute but must be 

shared justly to those in need (Engineer, 1999). Unfortunately, distributive justice is narrowed down to 

shadaqoh. It is correct that Islam suggests charity to eradicate poverty, but shadaqoh is not the only best 

way. Engineer (1999) explains the importance for social institution to manage wealth to prevent curses 

and reproaches . Human’s ownership of wealth is directed to the shared welfare  (Engineer, 1999). 

CSR attempts to improve corporate image by present it as humane and socially responsible business 

player, but may also be deemed as a mask to pursue limitless benefit and power (Khurshid, et al., 2013). 

The stigma cannot be separated from capitalistic business paradigm. According to (Dusuki, 2008), CSR in 

the West pays more attention to materialistic instead of ethic matter, since it is based on secular Western 

theories. In comparison to Western theories, Islam assumes a relatively holistic approach to CSR concept. 

Islamic basic values, such as aqidah (faith and belief), ibadah (act of filial piety to Allah), and 

akhlaq (morality and ethics), will not change even if the time changes. These Islamic basic values are 

promoted in syari’ah which is the Islamic basic worldview. Muslims are bound by this law as the 

consequence of tauhid (belief/faith in Allah). CSR concept in Islam covers a wider implication including 

the dimension of taqwa (believing in Allah) which considers business as a group of individuals playing a 

role in and responsible for services and representative (khalifah) in any situation. 

Islam as the liberation theology with the spirit of anti-status quo requires three basic concepts 

(Engineer, 1999) to promote a just society order, namely: 1) equitable distribution of wealth; 2) managing 

earth as mandate of creation; and 3) fulfilling basic human rights. Just society order is the characteristics 

of civil society. The firs principle is taken as the basis in the economic aspect of CSR concept, namely: 1) 

The Concept of Tazkia, and 2) The Concept of Justice. The second principle as taken as the basis in 

environmental aspect, namely: The Balance of Nature. The third principle is taken as the basis in social 

aspect, namely: Social Welfare. The concept of social responsibility in Indonesia is set forth in No. 40 of 

2007 and elaborated in the technical regulation as in figure 2. 

CSR concept in Islam covers a wider implication including the dimension of taqwa (believing in 

Allah), thus business entity must also account for all of their acts to Allah as the owner of earth along with 

anything therein. CSR concept in Islam will bring the spirit of liberation which is anti-status quo, thus 

CSR is understood as jihad to destroy oppressing socio-economic structure. Without jihad, one’s faith is 

not perfect. Therefore, CSR concept elaborated from Islamic principles attempts to promote a society 

order which raises human level essentially and promote civil society. 

CSR concept which is grounded on materialistic worldview will direct CSR practice which only 

takes side of life. Secular CSR does not indicate relationship between worldly life and the afterlife. This 

contradicts Islamic worldview. Islam reminds humans not to be occupied by worldly affairs and ignore 

afterlife affairs. Meanwhile, the CSR concept in the perspective of liberation theology may be viewed in 

the figure 3. 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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Figure 2. The concept of social responsibility in Indonesia 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Figure 3. CSR Concept in Liberation Theology’s Perspective 



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The Concept of Tazkia 

Islamic ethical system is different from secular ethical system. Secular ethical system is formed 

from man-made theories (Hassan, 2016), thus it only considers worldly life. Islamic ethical system is 

sourced from al-Qur’an and hadith, emphasizing relationship between human and The Creator. Therefore, 

the concept of development in Islam also pays attention to spirituality aspect as revealed by (Gambling & 

Karim, 1986). 

“The concept of Tazkia, or growth and purification, is the idea of active contribution in the material 

world. This concept entails that Muslims are required to participate in worldly activities with the provision 

that any material development and growth should also guarantee social justice and spiritual improvement. 

One of the key features of the Islamic ethical system is that it provides no separation between an 

individual’s public and private lives (in the eyes of God).”  

Tazkia is active contributive idea in material world requiring Muslims to actively take part in 

worldly activities provided that each material development and growth must ensure social justice and 

spiritual improvement. The meaning of tazkia by term is self-purification from any disease, realizing 

various maqam on it and making asma and shifat as the character (Al-Ghazali, 1996). This soul 

purification will cleanse human from any manners which do not conform to their nature. 

According to (Triyuwono, 2016), management which only focuses on achieving profit will 

stimulate over-egoistic behavior and keep organization away from ethical and human values. Human’s 

distance from ethical values will erode their human nature. Therefore, humans are commanded to cleanse 

themselves and return to their nature as khalifah. 

“But the righteous will be spared from it–who donate ˹some of˺ their wealth only to purify 

themselves, not in return for someone’s favors, but seeking the pleasure of their Lord, the Most High.” 

(QS. al-Layl [92]:17-20). 

Allah promises those donating their wealth only for seeking His pleasure will be kept away from the 

hell. The concept of tazkia in this case is to cleanse human soul and each of their acts by balancing 

worldly and heavenly affairs, that is to spend their wealth in the way of Allah. Islam does not separate 

individual’s personality from personal life. 

The Concept of Justice: Taqassata  

Justice is society’s highest measure (Engineer, 1999). Justice in Islam is rooted from tauhid; thus 

the real meaning of taqwa is not only to perform ritual worship. Each faithful individual is commanded to 

act justly  because God Almighty loves those who act justly . Poverty must be responded by building 

social structure which is free from exploitation, oppression, and collection of wealth by a handful of 

people or group. Allah swt says: 

“Give good news of a painful torment to those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in 

Allah’s cause. The Day ˹will come˺ when their treasure will be heated up in the Fire of Hell, and their 

foreheads, sides, and backs branded with it. ˹It will be said to them,˺ “This is the treasure you hoarded for 

yourselves. Now taste what you hoarded!”” (QS. at-Tawbah [9]:34-35). 

The verse above depicts God’s punishment for those who hoard wealth. This is different from 

capitalist concept of adoring wealth. Allah makes laws as the consequence of how humans are in multi-

stage in sustenance; such as livelihood, zakat, and kafarat . On the laws, Allah reminds humans of his 

dearly sanction. 

“Whenever We intend to destroy a society, We command its elite ˹to obey Allah˺ but they act 

rebelliously in it. So the decree ˹of punishment˺ is justified, and We destroy it utterly.” (QS. al-Isra’ 

[17]:16). 

It is clear that rich men (that is those with over-sustenance) do not care the weak and those 

oppressed, thus all social structure will be chaotic and destroyed by revolution (Engineer, 1999:54). There 

are many evidences The Creator has given of His laws; such as the story of Prophet Nuh, the story of 

Prophet Luth, the story of Prophet Sulaiman, Tsunami in Aceh, and Earthquake in Padang. 



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The Balance of Nature The Cartesian-Newtonian Paradigm considers the nature inferior and the 

object of be controlled by human. Although human is created as venerated being, Islam does not make 

human dominate other creations. Tauhid worldview positions human as khalifah, carrying the mandate 

that the heaven, earth and mounts are unable to assume. Created as khalifah, human is required to keep the 

earth from destruction because of previous humans’ greed. Allah says: 

 “˹Remember˺ when your Lord said to the angels, “I am going to place a successive ˹human˺ 

authority on earth.” They asked ˹Allah˺, “Will You place in it someone who will spread corruption there 

and shed blood while we glorify Your praises and proclaim Your holiness?” Allah responded, “I know 

what you do not know.”” (QS. al-Baqarah [2]:30) 

Earth is not created without any wisdom, but with correct goals. Therefore, God prohibits human 

from destroying the earth, as Allah says below: 

“Do not spread corruption in the land after it has been set in order. And call upon Him with hope 

and fear. Indeed, Allah’s mercy is always close to the good-doers.” (QS. al-A’raf [7]:56). 

Destruction on earth means spreading disobedience, hostility, and injustice on earth. Islam 

considers business to have socially useful function. Business, as human association, is required to get 

involved in sustainable development activity (Hassan, 2016), thus it can reduce environmental impact and 

help provide, protect, and preserve the environment to inhabit. 

Social Welfare 

Social welfare is one of the main subjects of Islamic teaching. This can be observed from the 

Prophet’s life story. He was born in Mecca in an illiterate society . The time before Islam came was called 

the era of ignorance. The society’s social view at that time was narrow and they rejected any view other 

than their ancestral tradition. 

At 40 years old, the Prophet liberated Mecca and all mankind (Engineer, 1999). The Prophet 

liberated them from suffering, superstition, oppression, slavery, and injustice. He also liberated those 

oppressed, the poor, and those ignorant (Engineer, 1999). All of it was not only performed through being 

teacher and philosopher, but also activists who were involved in the field in the society’s economic 

activities. 

The revolution performed by the Prophet is Allah’s command. Allah says the importance of 

scientific knowledge, which is likened to be nur (light). Allah also removes superstition and tribal 

perspective, and gives equal right to women. All of this changed the Arabs and is the most evolutionary 

concept for all mankind. 

 

CONCLUSION 

PTST is a state-owned company operating in limestone mining. This requires PTST to perform TJSL 

(the consequence of business activities which is in direct contact with natural resources exploitation) and 

PKBL (the consequence as state-owned company). In its implementation, PTST had performed its 

obligation in implementing the two forms of CSR, but not maximally. The reason is that the CSR program 

implemented was not followed-up, thus it is not surprising that the program did not significantly affect the 

improvement of society’s welfare and it was as if only to meet the responsibility mandated by the existing 

regulation. However, PTST claimed that they were aware that CSR was their necessity to actualize 

caliphate duties. 

Besides obligation (mandated by regulation), on the other hand, it is also deemed as company’s need. 

PTST is aware that their existence in the society should give positive impact on the society. PTST 

acknowledges that the best human is one who is useful to his surrounding people. This acknowledgement 

shows that PTST is aware that it is part of the society. PTST also acknowledges that human is God’s 

representative on earth, but in the implementation PTST has not proven it to be correct. 

The duality (as obligation and as necessity) in CSR implementation causes doubt in settling social 

and environmental issue at society level. PTST considers that the government should take a bigger part in 

settling the issues. Finally, PTST does not allocate its profit (max 4%) in the current year for CSR budget 



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although company’s financial position is profit. PTST states that it does not violate the regulation since it 

has allocated a fund for CSR program which is from administrative cost and loan interest of partnership 

program. 

Implementing CSR for regulatory obligation does not indicate business player’s awareness to 

participate in improving society’s welfare, eradicating poverty, and inequality, leading to moral 

dislocation. Not allocating corporate profit to social and environmental responsibility program shows that 

there is no income distribution by PTST to deal with the impacts of its corporate business acts and 

decisions. Meanwhile, Islam commands each Muslim to spend their property in the way of Allah, which is 

the excess of their needs. 

Deliberative CSR does not only pay attention to worldly aspect, but presents worldly and heavenly 

relationship, like Islamic worldview. The result of elaboration of CSR concept with Islam as the liberation 

ideology is as follows: First, the concept of tazkia. Second, the concept of justice. Third, the balance of 

nature. Fourth, social welfare. Deliberative CSR liberates CSR from materialism’s capitalistic worldview; 

that is implementing CSR as (regulatory) obligation, image, and obtaining certain award. Deliberative 

CSR makes entity perform CSR not limited to obligation, but beyond obligation; that is as human’s need 

to actualize their duties as God’s representative on earth as the consequence of devotion to Allah SWT. 

Business which is only oriented to profit causes unethical behavior by justifying and performing any way 

for profit. This has caused problem; social problem and environmental problem, thus the international 

society demands business’s responsibility for current socio-economic condition. The existence of CSR as 

company’s commitment to get involved in improving the quality of useful society and environmental life 

is the society’s new hope. 

 

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