Potret Perbankan Syariah di Indonesia
JULO-JULO TEMBAK PHENOMENON IN PADANG CITY:
Evaluation Study On Role Baitul Mal Wa Tamwil (BMT) in Liberating Society from
Moneylenders
By: Dr. Rozalinda, M.Ag
Sharia Faculty Lecturer IAIN Imam Bonjol Padang
[email protected]
Abstract
The majority of small traders in Padang City borrow capital from moneylenders. In
tradisional markets, the transaction between the merchant and the moneylenders packed in
form of julo-julo tembak and julo julo panjang. The chairmen julo julo lend the capital to
traders with additional interest. The problem in this study is what are the factors that cause
people still use the services of moneylenders? How does the role of BMT in freeing people from
the bondage of moneylenders?
The results of the study it is found that people still use the services of moneylenders
because: First, demand for capital. Second, loan process is quick, the procedure is easy. Third,
the difficult access to the financial institutions. Fourth, less of socialization about the existence
of BMT. Fifth, the low awareness of the practice of religion in usury prohibition. Meanwhile,
BMT whose mission to free the society from usury economy has not shown a significant of role.
Keywords: moneylender, usury, julo-julo tembak, julo-julo panjang, microfinance.
A. Backgaround of the Problem
Policies about development of Islamic Microfinance Institutions (LKMS) Baitul Maal
Wat Tamwil (BMT) has an important position for the improvement of living standards and the
economy ofr the society. Seeing this a strategic position, BMT is expected to be a major pillar of
national economic defense system. BMT as Islamic Microfinance Institutions have a significant
role in helping small and medium-sized businesses. The presence of BMT is considered capable
of solving the problem of capital experienced by small traders who are not able to access credits
on banking. These institutions play a role in stimulating small businesses productive and release
people from the bondage of moneylenders.
However, existing fact on traditional markets in the city of Padang, most traders borrow
money from moneylenders. This happens because they have difficulty borrowing money from
financial institutions, banks. They were forced to borrow money from moneylenders, because
moneylenders considered able to meet their needs immediately, easier requirements despite high
interest rates.
In this market, the practice of moneylenders is done in form Julo-julo Tembak. Managers
called by the chairman Julo-julo or induak julo-julo. The chairman Julo-julo Tembak lend capital
to traders over a certain period with the addition of interest. The Loans Rp1,000,000,00 have to
be paid for Rp1,200,000,00 during 40 days they have to pay Rp30,000,00 daily or Rp20,000,00
for 60 days. That was explained by Eti a chairman Julo-julo in Pasar Raya Padang explaine.1
There are Many Practice money lenders in the community of Padang that lead the small business
merchants in the city does not grow well. Most of its profits spent to pay teh high loan, that is
20%.
Ideally, the presence of BMT can free people from the bondage of moneylenders. But the
fact, not all the people can liberate themselves from the bondage of moneylenders. As recognized
by Anto, for those who want to get a quick funds, they still asked their need to head Julo-julo,
even though high interest rates. The traders prefer to borrow from the chairman Julo-julo
because the process is faster. Just wait a few moments, funds can be obtained immediately. If
they go to BMT must meet administrative requirements and surveyed at advance and take three
or four days.2
One phenomenon that is unique and deserves to be investigated is fast growing of BMT
in Padang. Since 1996 in Padang it have been established, led by BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah,
based in Pasar Raya Padang. What's interesting is the placement office of
BMT Taqwa
Muhammadiyah took in market base region. This market is the operational base of the chief
Julo-julo Tembak (lender) that offers financing services in a short time. 3
The problem why many people who use the services of moneylenders ? what are the
factors that cause people still use the services of moneylenders, there have many BMT existed in
Padang City and easily accessible by the public. How the role of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah in
freeing people from the bondage of moneylenders.
1 Eti ( Mak gendut ), Chairman of Julo-julo, Interviews, Padang, May 27, 2012.
2 Anto, Trader, Interviews, Pasar Raya, May 27, 2012.
3 Ismail, Director of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah, Interviews, Padang, February 21, 2012.
B. Research Methodes
This research is a qualitative descriptive study, to find express the role of BMT in freeing
people from the bondage of moneylenders and observe the factors that lead people still depend
on moneylenders. The source of the data in the study is that people who have been involved in
the practice of moneylenders, ranging from head Julo-julo up to the merchants who utilize the
services of moneylenders. Because the population can not be predicted, the sample taken
throughsnowball sampling. In addition, the data was also obtained from the BMT Taqwa
Muhammadiyah Padang.
To obtain data on the phenomenon the moneylenders and role BMT to overcome of
moneylenders, this study capture the data with: 1) an interview with the head Julo-julo, traders
and the BMT. 2) Observation, by observing the transactions done by traders and head Julo-julo
on the market. 3) Documentation of the number of customers who use the services of
Muhammadiyah Taqwa BMT Padang and the number of traders in traditional markets in Office
Market Padang City.
C. BMT As Islamic Microfinance Institutions
Reluctance of the banking institutions in providing capital for informal sector
entrepreneurs, make them become them the target of moneylenders. Therefore, one of which is
expected to be a source of capital for the small business sector are microfinance institutions
including Islamic microfinance institutions such as BMT.4
BMT is an integrated independent business
cored Baitul Mal wa Tamwil with the
activities to develop productive efforts in improving the quality of small business economy. In
addition, BMT can also accept zakat, donation, and the charity, as well as distribute. 5 In contrast
to other microfinance (microfinance institutions), BMT as the Microfinance institution sharia has
4 Helmi Haludin, “Membangkit Kearifan Lokal dalam Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Syariah, Paper presented at
the Governing Council Seminar Silakda and Indonesian Intellectuals Association (ICMI) Regional Organization of
Padang , Padang April 28, 2012.
5 PINBUK BMT Pedoman Cara Pembentukan BMT Balai Usaha Mandiri Terpadu, (Jakarta: PINBUK , t ,
t ), p. 1.
its own privileges. BMT is not only as an intermediary microfinance institutions purely business
oriented, but it also has other functions that are social function.
The general role of BMT is to provide guidance and funding that based on sharia system.
As an Islamic financial institution that have direct contact with the small community life, the
existence of BMT has several roles namely, a) To far away people from the non-Islamic
economic practices, actively do socialization among the people about the importance of the
Islamic economic system. This can be done with trainings on how to Islamic trading. b)
Conduct training and small business financing. BMT should run actively the function as micro
finance institutions, for example by doing of mentoring, coaching, counseling, and monitoring of
the client businesses or the general public. c) Removing
dependence
of people from
moneylenders. The Communities tyhat still depend moneylender caused be moneylender able to
meet the needs of the community in the immediate funding problems. On short time BMT should
be able to serve the community better, for example, funds are always available at any time, a
simple procedure, and so forth.6
This means the existence of BMT plays a very important role in order to empower the
small economically community and to releasi them from the bondage of moneylenders. In case,
BMT can be more proactive in accommodating the needs of the community, especially small
traders in their capital problems. The existence of BMT has been able to become an alternative
funding source for small businessesman, especially small businessesman that are informal.
D. Factors That Cause Publics Used Moneylenders Service
Accordance with the extent of the problem in this study, this study only focused on the
markets where BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah existing there. Namely Pasar Raya, Bandar Buat
Market, Lubuk Buaya Market, and Market Siteba.
The practices of moneylenders in the traditional markets in the city of Padang had
happened for long time. The business sometimes done by a family, group or individual. For
example, in the Pasar Bandar Buat, this business has been done by the family for generations, so
that the circulation of money among traders has already they mastered. 7
6 Zainul Arifin, Dasar-dasar Manajemen Bank Syariah, (Jakarta: Alvabet , 2002), p. 163-165.
Before explaining about the factors that cause people utilize the services of
moneylenders, previously will be described the mechanism of the practice of moneylenders in
the traditional markets in the city of Padang. The forms of transactions carried out by the lender
in traditional markets in the city of Padang is packaged in a Julo-julo Tembak and Julo-julo
Panjang.
1. Julo-julo Tembak
Julo-julo Tembak is a form velocity of money among chief or head Julo-julo with people
who need quick funds by receiving money from the head of Julo-julo and re pay it fo certain
period. For example, someone who need of funds as much as Rp 1,000,000,00 it will pay
Rp1.200.000,00 to the head of Julo-Julo. She should pay daily Rp30,000,00 for 40 days, or
Rp20,000,00 for 60 days. The loan as much as Rp3,000,000,00 it will be paid Rp3.600.000,00.
She should pay daily Rp60,000,00 for 60 days.8
2 . Julo-julo Panjang, or Julo-julo Banomor or Julo-julo Barisi.
At Julo-julo Panjang, participants are required to pay in advance to a certain period eg
six times, for members who wish to receive money Julo-julo, it takes the serial numbers first.
As described Ermaini a merchant who also serves as chairman Julo-julo in Pasar Lubuk Buaya
Padang that participants pay to head Julo-julo according to the number of rounds plus one or the
term "Bakaki Satu". For example, round 100 days, Rp11,000,00 installment, per day, a
participant pays to the head as much as 100 times.9
Mechanism Julo-julo Tembak and Julo-julo Panjang begins with candidate borrower
Julo-julo expressed his wish to borrow sufficient funds to head of Julo-julo. Chairman of Julojulo will give the loan on that day. The loans that can be obtained from 1,000,000,00 until
Rp5.000.000,00. Julo-julo Panjang on traditional market in the city of Padang has not need
specific requirements and procedures. However, the element of trust Julo-julo of chairman
toward the candidate prospective borrower is very important, because it will affect to lending
given. Mechanism
the moneylenders practices packaging Julo-julo Tembak
or Julo-julo
Panjang that occured in the traditional markets in the city of Padang on generally the same. For
7 Fazat Rafiah, Chairman of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah Bandar Buat Market, Interviews, Padang,
August 1, 2012.
8 Epa, Merchant, Chairman of Julo-julo, Interviews, Padang, July 22, 2012.
9 Ermaini, Trader, Interviews, Padang, August 2, 2012.
late payments due to certain reasons, the payment can be doubled in the next day or or given
additional amount of days the payment should be. The case like this do not sanction. However,
the person categorize in the " black list" by the head of Julo-julo so that he will not be given a
loan or will not get additional loans any more. 10
Majority of street vendors in the markets in Padang admitted that they participate in
Julo-julo Tembak and panjang, banomor. Demand for Julo-julo Tembak is quite high. In a day a
head Julo-julo can rotate as much money Rp80.000.000, this declared by Darmalis, a chairman
Julo-julo who opened the business in Pasar Raya. 11
The high demand for the services of moneylenders in the traditional market in the city of
Padang is caused by several factors as follows:
1. The need for capital and other urgent needs.
The main cause of the traders borrow money to moneylenders are factors the need of
capital or other urgent needs. The traders borrow money to moneylenders to trade. They admitted
using Julo-julo Tembak is for capital needs and other needs. War, a merchant, who had borrowed
from the chairman of Julo-julo at Pasar Raya Padang explained.12
2. The loan process is fast, easy procedure, and the repayment period is relatively short.
Another reason traders borrow money to moneylenders is because the loan process
quickly and without any conditions. The way is just convey the desire to borrow money to head
Julo-julo, someone immediately can get the loans on that day.13 The traders used to familiar with
Julo-julo because the procedure is easy, and the process is fast, they can borrow money in real
time without being burdened with any requirement, just based on trust, and without borg. 14
Because this easyness, cause the the traders enjoy to Julo-julo Tembak. This means that the
existense of moneylenders in the traditional markets because the traders need funds quickly and
there is no requirement needed. They are not concerned about how much the interest, the most
important thing is get additional capital quickly. In addition, there is dispentation if they can not
pay, for example because of illness. This situation can’t be met at the bank or BMT. The loans
10 Nel, Head of Julo-julo, Interviews, Padang, July 30, 2012.
11 Darmalis, Chairman of Julo- julo, Interviews, Padang, July 21, 2012.
12 War, Merchant, Interviews, Padang, July 30, 2012.
13 En, Trader, Interviews, Padang, July 30, 2012.
14 Kasmawati, Chairman of Julo-julo, Interviews, Padang, July 21, 2012.
are done in short term such as monthly, weekly, even daily. These short term loans can only be
made by the moneylenders.15
3. Difficulty accessing financial institutions.
Among the fundamental reason why traders prefer to use the services of moneylenders is
the difficulty of accessing financial institutions including BMT. This is due to the process and
requirements to get financing from banks or BMT are assessed complicated, there are many
requirements, the survey should be used, the procedure is long, there is slaughtering on the
money received. Meanwhile, the traders generally need fats money in hurry.
That is the reason, that most traders prefer to use the services of the money lenders than
to BMT. Financing process is too long and use collateral. Because the complexity of the
requirements and procedures for financing at a bank or BMT, make traders at Pasar Siteba
Padang finally come to head Julo-julo.16 In addition, because they trade full day, it's difficult to
go to the bank. They are reluctant to leave their trade to take care of all the requirements and
come to BMT. So traders do not want to borrow funds to BMT .
Even the traders who have long been a customers in BMT admitted due to didn’t get
funding from BMT make them finally go to Julo-julo. They also admitted they have ever
applied for a loan to BMT, the loan process is difficult, requirements too much. In the process of
borrowing needs three times meeting with the BMT, it did not get a loan. Finally, they borrow to
the chairman Julo-julo.17
4. Lack of socialization of the BMT.
Many street vendors still use the services of moneylenders in traditional markets is due
they don’t know the existence of BMT. Some of the street vendors in Pasar Raya Padang are not
familiar with BMT at all. The reality is due to the lack of socialization of the existence of
Islamic Microfinance Institutions that had stood since the 29 September 1996. With time that a
long enough, the existence of BMT should be well known among traders where the BMT was
located. The socialization of the BMT to customers about Islamic microfinance institutions is
still limited. The lack of socialization of BMT and Islamic economics to society, cause them do
15 Winda, Traders , Interviews, Padang, July 21, 2012.
16 Bayu Abbas, Merchant, Customer of BMT, Interviews, Padang, July 19, 2012.
17 Misnawati, Merchant, Interviews, Padang, August 2, 2012.
not know that borrow in BMT less costly than to moneylenders. So they prefer to use Julo-julo
Tembak.18
5. Low awareness of the practice of religion theaching in usury prohibition.
Most traders understand that Julo-julo Tembak is hot money, not a blessing, interest. So
some of them do not participate Julo-julo Tembak. even, there are traders who see Julo-julo
Tembak was not halal. They feel that the trade with the capital through moneylenders money
does have not a blessing. Most of its profits spent to pay out the high interst which reached 20%.
He must go into debt and debt again, finally the money they get earned to pay installment.19
Although the practice of moneylenders in the community in the city of Padang resulted
some of small traders in the city can not growing, because Julo-julo Tembak is " hot money ".
However, the fact that most traders still depent their capital to the head Julo-julo. The knowledge
and understanding about usury prohibition by some traders were ignored because of an urgent
need.
According Fazat Rafiah, education and understanding of religious factors also affect
responden of the street vendors toward moneylenders, when they need quickly funds, they come
to Julo-julo Tembak, even though they know that in BMT pay installment is cheaper than Julojulo Tembak. Because of their very need, urgent, the issue of religious teachings, they ignore it.20
Ironically, the heads Julo-julo scattered in the traditional market in the city of Padang is
mostly already performed the pilgrimage in fact already repeatedly. However, according to
Kasmawati a chairman Julo-julo at Pasar Raya Padang their business is not usury. He also
admitted he was not a loan shark, his bussiness is halal. He lend money to traders only to help.
According to the chairman
Julo-julo that this business has been operated since 1984, the
business in which they carry out is halal, for helping people in need of capital. They undergo this
effort by surroundig the market, so it is natural they ask more for "balanjo" of capital provided to
traders and the public. Moreover, they also borrow from the bank, there installments and interest
to be paid. According to them, it is impossible they lend money freely without profit “maminjam
18 Robi Adrian and Bayu Abbas, Merchants, Customers BMT, Interviews, Padang, July 19, 2012.
19 Fazat Rafiah, Chairman of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah Pasar Bandar Buat, Interviews, August 1,
2012.
20 Fazat Rafiah, Chairman of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah Pasar Bandar Buat, Interviews, August 1,
2012.
anda”, while traders get profit from the capital that they lend. The transaction is done on the
basis of compliance. So, his business is not usury.21
Transactions between traders with head Julo-julo is the same as the interaction of supply
and demand where moneylenders offer money needed by traderslike that are able to be seen in
the image below:
Figure 1
Transactions Moneylenders in Traditional Markets in Padang
SUPPLY
DEMAND
Loans are packaged in-Julo-julo Julo-tembak and Julo-julo panjang
Capital or other needs
The process is quick, simple procedure,
The
without
process
collateral
is quick, simple procedure, without collateral
Short repayment time, and flexible
Difficulty access financial institutions
Lack of socialization BMT and Islamic economics
Lack of awareness about the practice of religion teaching about proh
Urgent needs requires availability of funds rapidly. Only moneylenders who they think is
capable of helping them in difficult moments like that, they do not care with high interest as long
21 Kasmawati, Chairman of Julo-julo, Interviews, Padang, July 21, 2012. Mar, Chairman of Julo-julo,
Interviews, Padang, July 30, 2012.
as their needs are met. While the bank or BMT only able to provide an attractive offer with a
series of procedures and requirements that precisely according to them is hard. From all the
hassle of obtaining a loan from a bank, or BMT, the ease of obtaining loans from moneylenders,
low educational background, and the lack of information about BMT makes street vendor
concluded that only moneylenders the way out of their economic problems daily. Moneylenders
assumed by merchants has a strategic role to overcome the problem of short term capital.
Surprisingly, facing money lenders who freely offer money in the markets, government
and related agencies seemed to keep silent. Scholars and preachers seems let the usury practice
dominate the market. BMT or other microfinance institutions passively waiting for traders to
come to be in the customer.
From the business aspect, the chairman Julo-julo distribute money to its members
whereas a financial institution distribute money to customers have the same position, both look
for profit. The difference lies only in the legality and contract. Money lenders distribute fund and
look for profit for personal gain has no business legality. Meanwhile, financial institutions
distributing funds and looking for profits not for personal gain, but for the benefit of the
institution and the community together as well as having a strong business legality. Financial
institutions doing business to collect funds and distribute it to the people governed by laws and
regulations.
If seen on the definition usury meaning, ziyadah is additional capital more or less, 22 So
the practice Julo-julo Tembak or Julo Julo Panjang/Banomor/Barisi, is usury. The word rente
comes from the Dutch "rente" which means the interest or profit. Actors rente called rentenir.
Rentenir is a person who informally provide loans (loans) to customers by charging a very high
interest, or often called lintah darat mean people who earn a living with interest.23
In Islam, the practice of interest or usury prohibited. Interest according to the scholars
means additional money on lending transaction (al-qard/credit) were calculated from capital
without take into consideration the results of the amount based on capital a certain period, that be
calculated with certainty in advance based on a percentage of the amount of loan. Rente were
practiced by lenders in the study of jurisprudence called usury. If we look at the meaning of
22 Sayyid Sabiq, Fiqh as- Sunnah, Juz III, (Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1983), p. 176.
23 Pusat Pembinaan dan Pengembangan Bahasa Indonesia, Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia, (Jakarta:
Balai Pustaka, 1990), p. 743.
interest or "balanjo" capital or "kaki satu" it certainly is categorized nasiah usury, namely
Additional required taken by the loan from the debtor, as the balance of debt payment delay.24
In addition, from the Islamic perspective, the financial institution sharia as BMT or
Islamic banks distribute funds to its customers using the murabaha financing, mudharaba
financing, or bai bitsaman ajil of financing. Taking advantage in the purchase contract or
agreement for deviding results is allowed in Islam. While money lenders distribute the funds to
the community in the form qardh or credit debts. In Islam, taking advantage in the contract in
dept is usury (riba). As pointed out in the prophetic traditions.
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليييه:عن على رضى الله عنه قال
ة ا
من و ا
ل ا
ك جيي ل: وسلم
َ.ه الرربِّيياا
عيي ة
و ه
ه ه
و ج
و و
ف ا
ض ا
ف ج
ميي و
جيي ه
جييررىَّ ا
جيي و
ن ج
و ا
هيي ا
قييور ض
25
أخرجه البيهقى
All accounts payable including profitable are usury.
E. Role BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah in Frees Society of Moneylenders Shackles
As described before, in general, traders in the tradisinal markets in Padang City borrow
money from moneylenders. Usurious transactions are packaged in the form of Julo-julo Tembak
and Julo-julo Panjang. It has been applied since long time before the BMT stood.
Discussion about the role of BMT in freeing people from moneylenders will be focused
on the process of financing at BMT, socialization of Islamic economics done BMT to the
community and its role in freeing society from moneylenders.
1. Financing Process in the BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah
BMT efforts made to rid the society of moneylenders is in the form of financing. BMT
distributes financing to customers still maintaining the precautionary principle with establish
some terms and procedures, they are a) There is a business and it has been running for at least
one year. b) There is a guarantee like land certificates, gold, and deposits in BMT. c) Eligible
24 Abdurrahman al-Juzairi, Ala al-Fiqh al -Arba'ah Mazahib, Juz III, (Mesir: Maktabah al-Kubra alTijariyah , 1969), p. 245.
25 Abu Bakr Ahmad ibn al-Husayn ibn Ali al-Bayhaqi, Sunan al-Bayhaqi, (Assembly Dairah al-Maarif alNizamiyyah al-Kainah, 1344 H), Juz 2 p. 72.
administration such as ID cards, family card and Certificate of Business from the official
market. The financing process need three days, after the requirements are obtained, surveyed,
the the committee meeting, then disbursement. Financing process for loans above
Rp15.000.000,00, could reach four days or one week, and loan for 50,000,000, the process could
take more than a week. This mechanism is done because the money distributed are customer
money. So there needs to be caution because it is a mandate. If the some customer want to get
load any more, his installment of funding run smoothly, could be disbursed the next day because
no survey anymore.26
As with banks, BMT as financial institutions, in distributing financing to community
needs to pay attention to a few key principles relating to the overall condition of the customer
candidate. This principle is known as the principle 5C, namely the character, capacity, capital,
colateral, and conditions of economy.27 Mainly speaking, the process of providing financing in
BMT carried out in five stages, namely finance proposal, finance analysis, finance committee
meeting, the binding of financing, and the disbursement of funds.
Most traders in traditional markets in the city of Padang are customers of BMT Taqwa
Muhammadiyah, they save their money in BMT and get additional capital to finance trade. The
processes and the procedures financing in BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah are not difficult.28
In addition, the traders in traditional markets there are just being a customer savers in
BMT. According to Eti a trader Market Padang Siteba he takes advantage of BMT services only
to save money, to get financing they don’t want, because they are lazy with conditions, and the
procedure is very complicated have quarantee, and should be surveyed first.29
There are also traders besides utilizing the services Julo-julo and also use the services
of BMT Tawqa Muhammadiyah to obtain additional capital to trade them. Instead, head Julojulo also become customers in BMT Islamic microfinance institutions whose mission is to free
people from moneylenders. A few traders in traditional markets in the city of Padang claimed
that they have borrowed to BMT. Installment in BMT, according to them, lighter than the
installments to chairman Julo-julo, but because there is an urgent need, finally they back to
26 Ismail, Director of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah, interviews, Padang, July 25, 2012.
27 Veithzal Rivai, Islamic Financial Management, Jakarta Rajawali Press, 2008, p. 348-352.
28 Robi Adrian, Vendors, Customers BMT, Interviews, Padang, July 19, 2012.
29 Eti and Imah, Traders, Interviews, Padang, July 22, 2012.
Julo-julo Tembak. That was sai by Arnalis a trader who borrows Julo-julo Tembak also borrow
at BMT. Borrowing to BMT the payment is lighter, but sometimes BMT requirements make
difficult the traders to obtain the loans. While Julo-julo meet the needs of merchants quicker.30
2. Socialization about BMT and Islamic Economics to the public
BMT efforts to educate and socialize BMT has been done since BMT stands up, through
lectures during prayer time at zhuhur, through the brochures, or visiting the traders by marketing
of BMT to explain about BMT and its products.
BMT socialization to society done by
penetrating the market and into the small traders, socialization about BMT to society.
Socialization obout BMT lecturing to community was done in the form of education about how
to borrow money to BMT, what are the requirement, and so on.31
To this day there has been no form of socialization BMT in an attempt to minimize the
practice of money lenders in the market place where the BMT existed. BMT has never done
socialization to the dealer or lender about the prohibition of usury or interest. Instead they have
repeatedly perform the pilgrimage. They themselves do not recognize that the business is usury.
Instead, they get angry when called moneylenders. Justification of this business is their intention
that just to help traders who has trouble in the capital problem. According to Kasmawati,
chairman of Julo-julo at Pasar Raya Padang, he walked around the market, the money that she
spinned from bank, it has also interest to be paid, so that ‘s why there are also interest or
“balanjo”.32
3. Role BMT in Liberating Society from the moneylender.
Generally, small traders or street lack shortage of capital to run the business, also to
fulfill their daily needs. While, to obtain loans from formal financial institutions such as banks is
very difficult. Furthermore small traders are generally not able to provide guarantees for lending
purposes. As a shortcut, mostly small traders in traditional markets as clients of moneylenders.
Reason to lending capital to moneylenders among traders are "forced" to even though interest
rates higher. This activity takes place continuously until finally they become dependent.
However, most merchant user of moneylenders service in the city of Padang claimed that they do
not too unduly disadvantaged by the presence of moneylenders.
30 Arnalis, Trader, Interviews, Padang, July 25, 2012.
31 Syafri Muluk, Trader, Customer BMT, Interviews, Padang, August 1, 2012
32 Kasmawati, Chairman of Julo-julo, Interviews, Padang, July 21, 2012.
The methods employed by chairman of Julo-julo in attracting customers is creative
enough, by offering an easy and fast procedure without any requirement to make traders more
enjoy it despite high interest loans. They snare traders just based on trust, so that when need
money for capital and urgent need any merchant immediately apply for a loan to the lender,
although according to them money Julo-julo Tembak is hot, not a blessing, and so on. This is
the phenomena in society of region that make religion as power of community development
with indigenous philosophy adat basandi Syarak Syarak basandi kitabullah, there are still many
who do not apply the knowledge of the prohibition of usury.
In general, street vendors in traditional markets used the services of moneylenders in
tackling the problem of their capital. From the number of traders in the market Bandar buat,
according Fazat Rafiah, 70% use the services Julo-julo Tembak. After BMT existed, there is
about 40% can escape from a moneylender with became BMT customer. Although they back
and forth to Julo-julo Tembak and to BMT, even doubling them. BMT efforts done in freeing
people from moneylenders is by offering financing with the requirements and the procedures
which is not like banking standards.33
The traders needs is to get quick funds without the requirements and easy procedures.
While by moneylenders can meet all the requirements and without any guarantee, so traders
more enjoy to Jolo-julo than BMT, although interest on the moneylenders is much higher than
the margin financing at BMT. That‘s why, defeated by moneylenders. However, BMT still need
to be careful to apply the principle of financing. For BMT, financing analysis needs to be done.
BMT always try to speed up the financing process. this is the weakness of BMT that can not
provide the funds immediately, because BMT need to do and through the financing process
correctly.34
From the fact, it can be concluded that BMT has not play a significant role yet in freeing
people from the bondage of moneylenders. Not maximal effort performed BMT in freeing
society from the loan shark that they tend to be more proactive in offering their services to
merchants, it was evidenced by the many traders who prefer to relate to the moneylenders.
33 Fazat Rafiah, Chairman of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah Pasar Bandar Buat, Interviews, August 1,
2012
34 Ismail, Director of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah, Interviews, Padang, July 25, 2012.
It was also caused by the socialization have not been widening up about the existence and
function of BMT as Islamic microfinance institutions in the community, especially to all traders
who are in the market where BMT located. According to Juliar a trader in Pasar Siteba Padang
she never propose a financing to BMT, because they do not know the process and the procedures,
in addition, it also takes time to manage it. So that these traders prefer to take Julo-julo because
the process of getting funds quickly and it does not need any requirement.35
Not maximal BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah in freeing people from moneylenders can be
seen from the imbalance between the number of existing savers with the number of customers
who receive financing. This showssuggests that BMT only used to save fund, while the people
who receive funding until July 2012 very little, as shown in the table below.
Table 1
Number Customer Funding and Financing At Taqwa BMT Muhammadiyah Padang
BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah
Customer Funding
Pasar Raya
4814 person
Pasar Bandar Buat
2635 person
Pasar Lubuk Buaya
1509 person
Pasar Siteba
1001 person
Source: BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah in 2012
Customer Financing
296 person
173 person
201 person
148 person
Based on this fact we can conclude BMT effort in hold the task as Islamic microfinance
institutions that play a role in freeing the people from the economic practice of usury is not
maximized. BMT has not been proactive in meeting the needs of merchants who have difficulty
in the problem of capital. BMT defeated quickly in offering services and products to merchants
in effort to minimize the bondage of moneylenders to the merchant. On the other hand, the
moneylenders are more proactive in offering services to merchants who was difficulties of
capital. The moneylenders walk around the market as "mobile banks", because they know
exactly what is needed trader .
BMT concepts as Islamic mikrofinance institution, is the concept of managing the funds
at the lowest level of the community is especially small traders. This activity aims to help small
merchants by providing financing in order to expand their businesses and release the public
from dependence on the moneylenders.
35 Juliar and Jawanis, Traders, Interviews, Padang, July 22, 2012.
To achieve that, BMT make breakthrough by 1) Active sosialization in the community
about the importance of the Islamic economic system. 2) Provide the easeness of the process and
requirements of financing to customers in accordance with the feasibility assessment. 3)
Strengthening the institutions BMT with character "pick up the ball". Not only easyness of the
requirements and procedures, fast service, sharia based operations, but also the system
"proactive" applied by BMT managers should be added value for BMT which makes this Islamic
micro institutions can compensate and minimize the influence of moneylenders in the
community. System "pick up the ball" which become BMT character is a strength that makes it
closer to the society. So that society could prefer to relate with BMT than to moneylenders.
Ideally with this power, the movement toward liberation of society from the bondage of
moneylenders, usury and the crush of poverty can be achieved. So that the movement towards
economic development of small communities which has equitable, justice, and prosperous
realized well. Islamic economics aims to improve the life of the community in a fair and
balanced. With this foundation of all parties involved in the economic process will not oppress or
exploit each other. Moral values for the fundamental part of economic activity. This is what to
say by changing the economic system and subordinate eksploitattif be equitable economic
system. Changing economic systems that contain exploitative usury (zulm) be a fair economic
system, which contains a balance between the rich and the poor, who have less capital with or
without capital.
Through Islamic economic system the accumulation of wealth by a group of people can
be avoided, further distribution wealth to the weak public can be done automatically. Through
joint freedom, the Islamic economic system provides opportunities and equal access to everyone.
Individual ownership is protected, balanced with a sense of responsibility and a moral foundation
set up to be fair and balanced with no self-interest and ignore others. All individuals have the
opportunity and equal opportunity to try and allocate its revenue efficiently without disturbing
the balance of the economy. Superiority of Islamic economic system lies in the extent of
harmony and balance can be made between material and spiritual needs, social needs and
interests individual.
E. Conclusion
Although BMT Taqwa Muhamaddiyah who took traditional market base in the city of
Padang has been long established, people to this day still use the services of moneylenders in
overcoming their capital problem. This is because: First, the need for business capital and other
urgent needs. Second, the loan process is fast, easy procedure, and relatively short repayment
period. Third, the difficulty of accessing financial institutions including BMT. Fourth, the lack of
socialization of the BMT. Fifth, lack of awareness on the issue of religious teaching in practice
usury prohibition.
Meanwhile, BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah as Islamic Microfinance Institutions whose
mission is to free people from economic usury does not show significant role yet, because these
institutions are not being proactive in meeting the needs of small traders toward their capital.
This is evidenced by still a small number of traders who obtained financing from the Islamic
microfinance institutions. So that, the traders who existed in the market where BMT Taqwa
Muhammadiyah be based prefer to use moneylenders service in overcoming their capital
problems. Its expected to the more management of BMT to be proactive in meeting the needs of
society in terms of capitalization, so that dependence on moneylenders can be minimized. To the
missionaries are expected to more often give enlightenment and awareness to the community
about the unlawfulness ribawi economy. To government, its expect to provide facilities for small
traders to access loans.
Bibliografi
Arifin, Zainul, Dasar-dasar Manajemen Bank Syariah, Jakarta: Alvabet, 2002
al-Baihaqi, Abu Bakar Ahmad ibn al-Husain ibn Ali, Sunan al-Baihaqi, Tp. Majelis Dairah alMaarif al-Nizhamiyah al-Kainah, 1344 H
http://www.pikiranrakyat.com/cetak/2005/1005/09/hikmah/manajemen.html, 17 Agustus 2006
al-Juzairi, Abdurrahman, al-Fiqh Ala Mazahib al-Arba’ah, Juz III, Mesir: al-Maktabah alTijariyah al-Kubra, 1969
Haludin, Helmi, “Membangkit Kearifan Lokal dalam Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Syariah, Paper
presented at the Governing Council Seminar Silakda and Indonesian Intellectuals
Association (ICMI) Regional Organization of Padang , Padang April 28, 2012
PINBUK, Pedoman Cara Pembentukan BMT Balai Usaha Mandiri Terpadu, Jakarta: PINBUK,
t,t
Sabiq, Sayyid, Fiqh as-Sunnah, Juz III, Libanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1983
Sudarsono, Heri, Bank dan Lembaga Keuangan Syari’ah, Jakarta: Kampus Fakultas Ekonomi
UUI, 2003
Pusat Pembinaan dan Pengembangan Bahasa Indonesia, Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia,
Jakarta: Balai Pustaka, 1990
Evaluation Study On Role Baitul Mal Wa Tamwil (BMT) in Liberating Society from
Moneylenders
By: Dr. Rozalinda, M.Ag
Sharia Faculty Lecturer IAIN Imam Bonjol Padang
[email protected]
Abstract
The majority of small traders in Padang City borrow capital from moneylenders. In
tradisional markets, the transaction between the merchant and the moneylenders packed in
form of julo-julo tembak and julo julo panjang. The chairmen julo julo lend the capital to
traders with additional interest. The problem in this study is what are the factors that cause
people still use the services of moneylenders? How does the role of BMT in freeing people from
the bondage of moneylenders?
The results of the study it is found that people still use the services of moneylenders
because: First, demand for capital. Second, loan process is quick, the procedure is easy. Third,
the difficult access to the financial institutions. Fourth, less of socialization about the existence
of BMT. Fifth, the low awareness of the practice of religion in usury prohibition. Meanwhile,
BMT whose mission to free the society from usury economy has not shown a significant of role.
Keywords: moneylender, usury, julo-julo tembak, julo-julo panjang, microfinance.
A. Backgaround of the Problem
Policies about development of Islamic Microfinance Institutions (LKMS) Baitul Maal
Wat Tamwil (BMT) has an important position for the improvement of living standards and the
economy ofr the society. Seeing this a strategic position, BMT is expected to be a major pillar of
national economic defense system. BMT as Islamic Microfinance Institutions have a significant
role in helping small and medium-sized businesses. The presence of BMT is considered capable
of solving the problem of capital experienced by small traders who are not able to access credits
on banking. These institutions play a role in stimulating small businesses productive and release
people from the bondage of moneylenders.
However, existing fact on traditional markets in the city of Padang, most traders borrow
money from moneylenders. This happens because they have difficulty borrowing money from
financial institutions, banks. They were forced to borrow money from moneylenders, because
moneylenders considered able to meet their needs immediately, easier requirements despite high
interest rates.
In this market, the practice of moneylenders is done in form Julo-julo Tembak. Managers
called by the chairman Julo-julo or induak julo-julo. The chairman Julo-julo Tembak lend capital
to traders over a certain period with the addition of interest. The Loans Rp1,000,000,00 have to
be paid for Rp1,200,000,00 during 40 days they have to pay Rp30,000,00 daily or Rp20,000,00
for 60 days. That was explained by Eti a chairman Julo-julo in Pasar Raya Padang explaine.1
There are Many Practice money lenders in the community of Padang that lead the small business
merchants in the city does not grow well. Most of its profits spent to pay teh high loan, that is
20%.
Ideally, the presence of BMT can free people from the bondage of moneylenders. But the
fact, not all the people can liberate themselves from the bondage of moneylenders. As recognized
by Anto, for those who want to get a quick funds, they still asked their need to head Julo-julo,
even though high interest rates. The traders prefer to borrow from the chairman Julo-julo
because the process is faster. Just wait a few moments, funds can be obtained immediately. If
they go to BMT must meet administrative requirements and surveyed at advance and take three
or four days.2
One phenomenon that is unique and deserves to be investigated is fast growing of BMT
in Padang. Since 1996 in Padang it have been established, led by BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah,
based in Pasar Raya Padang. What's interesting is the placement office of
BMT Taqwa
Muhammadiyah took in market base region. This market is the operational base of the chief
Julo-julo Tembak (lender) that offers financing services in a short time. 3
The problem why many people who use the services of moneylenders ? what are the
factors that cause people still use the services of moneylenders, there have many BMT existed in
Padang City and easily accessible by the public. How the role of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah in
freeing people from the bondage of moneylenders.
1 Eti ( Mak gendut ), Chairman of Julo-julo, Interviews, Padang, May 27, 2012.
2 Anto, Trader, Interviews, Pasar Raya, May 27, 2012.
3 Ismail, Director of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah, Interviews, Padang, February 21, 2012.
B. Research Methodes
This research is a qualitative descriptive study, to find express the role of BMT in freeing
people from the bondage of moneylenders and observe the factors that lead people still depend
on moneylenders. The source of the data in the study is that people who have been involved in
the practice of moneylenders, ranging from head Julo-julo up to the merchants who utilize the
services of moneylenders. Because the population can not be predicted, the sample taken
throughsnowball sampling. In addition, the data was also obtained from the BMT Taqwa
Muhammadiyah Padang.
To obtain data on the phenomenon the moneylenders and role BMT to overcome of
moneylenders, this study capture the data with: 1) an interview with the head Julo-julo, traders
and the BMT. 2) Observation, by observing the transactions done by traders and head Julo-julo
on the market. 3) Documentation of the number of customers who use the services of
Muhammadiyah Taqwa BMT Padang and the number of traders in traditional markets in Office
Market Padang City.
C. BMT As Islamic Microfinance Institutions
Reluctance of the banking institutions in providing capital for informal sector
entrepreneurs, make them become them the target of moneylenders. Therefore, one of which is
expected to be a source of capital for the small business sector are microfinance institutions
including Islamic microfinance institutions such as BMT.4
BMT is an integrated independent business
cored Baitul Mal wa Tamwil with the
activities to develop productive efforts in improving the quality of small business economy. In
addition, BMT can also accept zakat, donation, and the charity, as well as distribute. 5 In contrast
to other microfinance (microfinance institutions), BMT as the Microfinance institution sharia has
4 Helmi Haludin, “Membangkit Kearifan Lokal dalam Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Syariah, Paper presented at
the Governing Council Seminar Silakda and Indonesian Intellectuals Association (ICMI) Regional Organization of
Padang , Padang April 28, 2012.
5 PINBUK BMT Pedoman Cara Pembentukan BMT Balai Usaha Mandiri Terpadu, (Jakarta: PINBUK , t ,
t ), p. 1.
its own privileges. BMT is not only as an intermediary microfinance institutions purely business
oriented, but it also has other functions that are social function.
The general role of BMT is to provide guidance and funding that based on sharia system.
As an Islamic financial institution that have direct contact with the small community life, the
existence of BMT has several roles namely, a) To far away people from the non-Islamic
economic practices, actively do socialization among the people about the importance of the
Islamic economic system. This can be done with trainings on how to Islamic trading. b)
Conduct training and small business financing. BMT should run actively the function as micro
finance institutions, for example by doing of mentoring, coaching, counseling, and monitoring of
the client businesses or the general public. c) Removing
dependence
of people from
moneylenders. The Communities tyhat still depend moneylender caused be moneylender able to
meet the needs of the community in the immediate funding problems. On short time BMT should
be able to serve the community better, for example, funds are always available at any time, a
simple procedure, and so forth.6
This means the existence of BMT plays a very important role in order to empower the
small economically community and to releasi them from the bondage of moneylenders. In case,
BMT can be more proactive in accommodating the needs of the community, especially small
traders in their capital problems. The existence of BMT has been able to become an alternative
funding source for small businessesman, especially small businessesman that are informal.
D. Factors That Cause Publics Used Moneylenders Service
Accordance with the extent of the problem in this study, this study only focused on the
markets where BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah existing there. Namely Pasar Raya, Bandar Buat
Market, Lubuk Buaya Market, and Market Siteba.
The practices of moneylenders in the traditional markets in the city of Padang had
happened for long time. The business sometimes done by a family, group or individual. For
example, in the Pasar Bandar Buat, this business has been done by the family for generations, so
that the circulation of money among traders has already they mastered. 7
6 Zainul Arifin, Dasar-dasar Manajemen Bank Syariah, (Jakarta: Alvabet , 2002), p. 163-165.
Before explaining about the factors that cause people utilize the services of
moneylenders, previously will be described the mechanism of the practice of moneylenders in
the traditional markets in the city of Padang. The forms of transactions carried out by the lender
in traditional markets in the city of Padang is packaged in a Julo-julo Tembak and Julo-julo
Panjang.
1. Julo-julo Tembak
Julo-julo Tembak is a form velocity of money among chief or head Julo-julo with people
who need quick funds by receiving money from the head of Julo-julo and re pay it fo certain
period. For example, someone who need of funds as much as Rp 1,000,000,00 it will pay
Rp1.200.000,00 to the head of Julo-Julo. She should pay daily Rp30,000,00 for 40 days, or
Rp20,000,00 for 60 days. The loan as much as Rp3,000,000,00 it will be paid Rp3.600.000,00.
She should pay daily Rp60,000,00 for 60 days.8
2 . Julo-julo Panjang, or Julo-julo Banomor or Julo-julo Barisi.
At Julo-julo Panjang, participants are required to pay in advance to a certain period eg
six times, for members who wish to receive money Julo-julo, it takes the serial numbers first.
As described Ermaini a merchant who also serves as chairman Julo-julo in Pasar Lubuk Buaya
Padang that participants pay to head Julo-julo according to the number of rounds plus one or the
term "Bakaki Satu". For example, round 100 days, Rp11,000,00 installment, per day, a
participant pays to the head as much as 100 times.9
Mechanism Julo-julo Tembak and Julo-julo Panjang begins with candidate borrower
Julo-julo expressed his wish to borrow sufficient funds to head of Julo-julo. Chairman of Julojulo will give the loan on that day. The loans that can be obtained from 1,000,000,00 until
Rp5.000.000,00. Julo-julo Panjang on traditional market in the city of Padang has not need
specific requirements and procedures. However, the element of trust Julo-julo of chairman
toward the candidate prospective borrower is very important, because it will affect to lending
given. Mechanism
the moneylenders practices packaging Julo-julo Tembak
or Julo-julo
Panjang that occured in the traditional markets in the city of Padang on generally the same. For
7 Fazat Rafiah, Chairman of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah Bandar Buat Market, Interviews, Padang,
August 1, 2012.
8 Epa, Merchant, Chairman of Julo-julo, Interviews, Padang, July 22, 2012.
9 Ermaini, Trader, Interviews, Padang, August 2, 2012.
late payments due to certain reasons, the payment can be doubled in the next day or or given
additional amount of days the payment should be. The case like this do not sanction. However,
the person categorize in the " black list" by the head of Julo-julo so that he will not be given a
loan or will not get additional loans any more. 10
Majority of street vendors in the markets in Padang admitted that they participate in
Julo-julo Tembak and panjang, banomor. Demand for Julo-julo Tembak is quite high. In a day a
head Julo-julo can rotate as much money Rp80.000.000, this declared by Darmalis, a chairman
Julo-julo who opened the business in Pasar Raya. 11
The high demand for the services of moneylenders in the traditional market in the city of
Padang is caused by several factors as follows:
1. The need for capital and other urgent needs.
The main cause of the traders borrow money to moneylenders are factors the need of
capital or other urgent needs. The traders borrow money to moneylenders to trade. They admitted
using Julo-julo Tembak is for capital needs and other needs. War, a merchant, who had borrowed
from the chairman of Julo-julo at Pasar Raya Padang explained.12
2. The loan process is fast, easy procedure, and the repayment period is relatively short.
Another reason traders borrow money to moneylenders is because the loan process
quickly and without any conditions. The way is just convey the desire to borrow money to head
Julo-julo, someone immediately can get the loans on that day.13 The traders used to familiar with
Julo-julo because the procedure is easy, and the process is fast, they can borrow money in real
time without being burdened with any requirement, just based on trust, and without borg. 14
Because this easyness, cause the the traders enjoy to Julo-julo Tembak. This means that the
existense of moneylenders in the traditional markets because the traders need funds quickly and
there is no requirement needed. They are not concerned about how much the interest, the most
important thing is get additional capital quickly. In addition, there is dispentation if they can not
pay, for example because of illness. This situation can’t be met at the bank or BMT. The loans
10 Nel, Head of Julo-julo, Interviews, Padang, July 30, 2012.
11 Darmalis, Chairman of Julo- julo, Interviews, Padang, July 21, 2012.
12 War, Merchant, Interviews, Padang, July 30, 2012.
13 En, Trader, Interviews, Padang, July 30, 2012.
14 Kasmawati, Chairman of Julo-julo, Interviews, Padang, July 21, 2012.
are done in short term such as monthly, weekly, even daily. These short term loans can only be
made by the moneylenders.15
3. Difficulty accessing financial institutions.
Among the fundamental reason why traders prefer to use the services of moneylenders is
the difficulty of accessing financial institutions including BMT. This is due to the process and
requirements to get financing from banks or BMT are assessed complicated, there are many
requirements, the survey should be used, the procedure is long, there is slaughtering on the
money received. Meanwhile, the traders generally need fats money in hurry.
That is the reason, that most traders prefer to use the services of the money lenders than
to BMT. Financing process is too long and use collateral. Because the complexity of the
requirements and procedures for financing at a bank or BMT, make traders at Pasar Siteba
Padang finally come to head Julo-julo.16 In addition, because they trade full day, it's difficult to
go to the bank. They are reluctant to leave their trade to take care of all the requirements and
come to BMT. So traders do not want to borrow funds to BMT .
Even the traders who have long been a customers in BMT admitted due to didn’t get
funding from BMT make them finally go to Julo-julo. They also admitted they have ever
applied for a loan to BMT, the loan process is difficult, requirements too much. In the process of
borrowing needs three times meeting with the BMT, it did not get a loan. Finally, they borrow to
the chairman Julo-julo.17
4. Lack of socialization of the BMT.
Many street vendors still use the services of moneylenders in traditional markets is due
they don’t know the existence of BMT. Some of the street vendors in Pasar Raya Padang are not
familiar with BMT at all. The reality is due to the lack of socialization of the existence of
Islamic Microfinance Institutions that had stood since the 29 September 1996. With time that a
long enough, the existence of BMT should be well known among traders where the BMT was
located. The socialization of the BMT to customers about Islamic microfinance institutions is
still limited. The lack of socialization of BMT and Islamic economics to society, cause them do
15 Winda, Traders , Interviews, Padang, July 21, 2012.
16 Bayu Abbas, Merchant, Customer of BMT, Interviews, Padang, July 19, 2012.
17 Misnawati, Merchant, Interviews, Padang, August 2, 2012.
not know that borrow in BMT less costly than to moneylenders. So they prefer to use Julo-julo
Tembak.18
5. Low awareness of the practice of religion theaching in usury prohibition.
Most traders understand that Julo-julo Tembak is hot money, not a blessing, interest. So
some of them do not participate Julo-julo Tembak. even, there are traders who see Julo-julo
Tembak was not halal. They feel that the trade with the capital through moneylenders money
does have not a blessing. Most of its profits spent to pay out the high interst which reached 20%.
He must go into debt and debt again, finally the money they get earned to pay installment.19
Although the practice of moneylenders in the community in the city of Padang resulted
some of small traders in the city can not growing, because Julo-julo Tembak is " hot money ".
However, the fact that most traders still depent their capital to the head Julo-julo. The knowledge
and understanding about usury prohibition by some traders were ignored because of an urgent
need.
According Fazat Rafiah, education and understanding of religious factors also affect
responden of the street vendors toward moneylenders, when they need quickly funds, they come
to Julo-julo Tembak, even though they know that in BMT pay installment is cheaper than Julojulo Tembak. Because of their very need, urgent, the issue of religious teachings, they ignore it.20
Ironically, the heads Julo-julo scattered in the traditional market in the city of Padang is
mostly already performed the pilgrimage in fact already repeatedly. However, according to
Kasmawati a chairman Julo-julo at Pasar Raya Padang their business is not usury. He also
admitted he was not a loan shark, his bussiness is halal. He lend money to traders only to help.
According to the chairman
Julo-julo that this business has been operated since 1984, the
business in which they carry out is halal, for helping people in need of capital. They undergo this
effort by surroundig the market, so it is natural they ask more for "balanjo" of capital provided to
traders and the public. Moreover, they also borrow from the bank, there installments and interest
to be paid. According to them, it is impossible they lend money freely without profit “maminjam
18 Robi Adrian and Bayu Abbas, Merchants, Customers BMT, Interviews, Padang, July 19, 2012.
19 Fazat Rafiah, Chairman of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah Pasar Bandar Buat, Interviews, August 1,
2012.
20 Fazat Rafiah, Chairman of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah Pasar Bandar Buat, Interviews, August 1,
2012.
anda”, while traders get profit from the capital that they lend. The transaction is done on the
basis of compliance. So, his business is not usury.21
Transactions between traders with head Julo-julo is the same as the interaction of supply
and demand where moneylenders offer money needed by traderslike that are able to be seen in
the image below:
Figure 1
Transactions Moneylenders in Traditional Markets in Padang
SUPPLY
DEMAND
Loans are packaged in-Julo-julo Julo-tembak and Julo-julo panjang
Capital or other needs
The process is quick, simple procedure,
The
without
process
collateral
is quick, simple procedure, without collateral
Short repayment time, and flexible
Difficulty access financial institutions
Lack of socialization BMT and Islamic economics
Lack of awareness about the practice of religion teaching about proh
Urgent needs requires availability of funds rapidly. Only moneylenders who they think is
capable of helping them in difficult moments like that, they do not care with high interest as long
21 Kasmawati, Chairman of Julo-julo, Interviews, Padang, July 21, 2012. Mar, Chairman of Julo-julo,
Interviews, Padang, July 30, 2012.
as their needs are met. While the bank or BMT only able to provide an attractive offer with a
series of procedures and requirements that precisely according to them is hard. From all the
hassle of obtaining a loan from a bank, or BMT, the ease of obtaining loans from moneylenders,
low educational background, and the lack of information about BMT makes street vendor
concluded that only moneylenders the way out of their economic problems daily. Moneylenders
assumed by merchants has a strategic role to overcome the problem of short term capital.
Surprisingly, facing money lenders who freely offer money in the markets, government
and related agencies seemed to keep silent. Scholars and preachers seems let the usury practice
dominate the market. BMT or other microfinance institutions passively waiting for traders to
come to be in the customer.
From the business aspect, the chairman Julo-julo distribute money to its members
whereas a financial institution distribute money to customers have the same position, both look
for profit. The difference lies only in the legality and contract. Money lenders distribute fund and
look for profit for personal gain has no business legality. Meanwhile, financial institutions
distributing funds and looking for profits not for personal gain, but for the benefit of the
institution and the community together as well as having a strong business legality. Financial
institutions doing business to collect funds and distribute it to the people governed by laws and
regulations.
If seen on the definition usury meaning, ziyadah is additional capital more or less, 22 So
the practice Julo-julo Tembak or Julo Julo Panjang/Banomor/Barisi, is usury. The word rente
comes from the Dutch "rente" which means the interest or profit. Actors rente called rentenir.
Rentenir is a person who informally provide loans (loans) to customers by charging a very high
interest, or often called lintah darat mean people who earn a living with interest.23
In Islam, the practice of interest or usury prohibited. Interest according to the scholars
means additional money on lending transaction (al-qard/credit) were calculated from capital
without take into consideration the results of the amount based on capital a certain period, that be
calculated with certainty in advance based on a percentage of the amount of loan. Rente were
practiced by lenders in the study of jurisprudence called usury. If we look at the meaning of
22 Sayyid Sabiq, Fiqh as- Sunnah, Juz III, (Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1983), p. 176.
23 Pusat Pembinaan dan Pengembangan Bahasa Indonesia, Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia, (Jakarta:
Balai Pustaka, 1990), p. 743.
interest or "balanjo" capital or "kaki satu" it certainly is categorized nasiah usury, namely
Additional required taken by the loan from the debtor, as the balance of debt payment delay.24
In addition, from the Islamic perspective, the financial institution sharia as BMT or
Islamic banks distribute funds to its customers using the murabaha financing, mudharaba
financing, or bai bitsaman ajil of financing. Taking advantage in the purchase contract or
agreement for deviding results is allowed in Islam. While money lenders distribute the funds to
the community in the form qardh or credit debts. In Islam, taking advantage in the contract in
dept is usury (riba). As pointed out in the prophetic traditions.
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليييه:عن على رضى الله عنه قال
ة ا
من و ا
ل ا
ك جيي ل: وسلم
َ.ه الرربِّيياا
عيي ة
و ه
ه ه
و ج
و و
ف ا
ض ا
ف ج
ميي و
جيي ه
جييررىَّ ا
جيي و
ن ج
و ا
هيي ا
قييور ض
25
أخرجه البيهقى
All accounts payable including profitable are usury.
E. Role BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah in Frees Society of Moneylenders Shackles
As described before, in general, traders in the tradisinal markets in Padang City borrow
money from moneylenders. Usurious transactions are packaged in the form of Julo-julo Tembak
and Julo-julo Panjang. It has been applied since long time before the BMT stood.
Discussion about the role of BMT in freeing people from moneylenders will be focused
on the process of financing at BMT, socialization of Islamic economics done BMT to the
community and its role in freeing society from moneylenders.
1. Financing Process in the BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah
BMT efforts made to rid the society of moneylenders is in the form of financing. BMT
distributes financing to customers still maintaining the precautionary principle with establish
some terms and procedures, they are a) There is a business and it has been running for at least
one year. b) There is a guarantee like land certificates, gold, and deposits in BMT. c) Eligible
24 Abdurrahman al-Juzairi, Ala al-Fiqh al -Arba'ah Mazahib, Juz III, (Mesir: Maktabah al-Kubra alTijariyah , 1969), p. 245.
25 Abu Bakr Ahmad ibn al-Husayn ibn Ali al-Bayhaqi, Sunan al-Bayhaqi, (Assembly Dairah al-Maarif alNizamiyyah al-Kainah, 1344 H), Juz 2 p. 72.
administration such as ID cards, family card and Certificate of Business from the official
market. The financing process need three days, after the requirements are obtained, surveyed,
the the committee meeting, then disbursement. Financing process for loans above
Rp15.000.000,00, could reach four days or one week, and loan for 50,000,000, the process could
take more than a week. This mechanism is done because the money distributed are customer
money. So there needs to be caution because it is a mandate. If the some customer want to get
load any more, his installment of funding run smoothly, could be disbursed the next day because
no survey anymore.26
As with banks, BMT as financial institutions, in distributing financing to community
needs to pay attention to a few key principles relating to the overall condition of the customer
candidate. This principle is known as the principle 5C, namely the character, capacity, capital,
colateral, and conditions of economy.27 Mainly speaking, the process of providing financing in
BMT carried out in five stages, namely finance proposal, finance analysis, finance committee
meeting, the binding of financing, and the disbursement of funds.
Most traders in traditional markets in the city of Padang are customers of BMT Taqwa
Muhammadiyah, they save their money in BMT and get additional capital to finance trade. The
processes and the procedures financing in BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah are not difficult.28
In addition, the traders in traditional markets there are just being a customer savers in
BMT. According to Eti a trader Market Padang Siteba he takes advantage of BMT services only
to save money, to get financing they don’t want, because they are lazy with conditions, and the
procedure is very complicated have quarantee, and should be surveyed first.29
There are also traders besides utilizing the services Julo-julo and also use the services
of BMT Tawqa Muhammadiyah to obtain additional capital to trade them. Instead, head Julojulo also become customers in BMT Islamic microfinance institutions whose mission is to free
people from moneylenders. A few traders in traditional markets in the city of Padang claimed
that they have borrowed to BMT. Installment in BMT, according to them, lighter than the
installments to chairman Julo-julo, but because there is an urgent need, finally they back to
26 Ismail, Director of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah, interviews, Padang, July 25, 2012.
27 Veithzal Rivai, Islamic Financial Management, Jakarta Rajawali Press, 2008, p. 348-352.
28 Robi Adrian, Vendors, Customers BMT, Interviews, Padang, July 19, 2012.
29 Eti and Imah, Traders, Interviews, Padang, July 22, 2012.
Julo-julo Tembak. That was sai by Arnalis a trader who borrows Julo-julo Tembak also borrow
at BMT. Borrowing to BMT the payment is lighter, but sometimes BMT requirements make
difficult the traders to obtain the loans. While Julo-julo meet the needs of merchants quicker.30
2. Socialization about BMT and Islamic Economics to the public
BMT efforts to educate and socialize BMT has been done since BMT stands up, through
lectures during prayer time at zhuhur, through the brochures, or visiting the traders by marketing
of BMT to explain about BMT and its products.
BMT socialization to society done by
penetrating the market and into the small traders, socialization about BMT to society.
Socialization obout BMT lecturing to community was done in the form of education about how
to borrow money to BMT, what are the requirement, and so on.31
To this day there has been no form of socialization BMT in an attempt to minimize the
practice of money lenders in the market place where the BMT existed. BMT has never done
socialization to the dealer or lender about the prohibition of usury or interest. Instead they have
repeatedly perform the pilgrimage. They themselves do not recognize that the business is usury.
Instead, they get angry when called moneylenders. Justification of this business is their intention
that just to help traders who has trouble in the capital problem. According to Kasmawati,
chairman of Julo-julo at Pasar Raya Padang, he walked around the market, the money that she
spinned from bank, it has also interest to be paid, so that ‘s why there are also interest or
“balanjo”.32
3. Role BMT in Liberating Society from the moneylender.
Generally, small traders or street lack shortage of capital to run the business, also to
fulfill their daily needs. While, to obtain loans from formal financial institutions such as banks is
very difficult. Furthermore small traders are generally not able to provide guarantees for lending
purposes. As a shortcut, mostly small traders in traditional markets as clients of moneylenders.
Reason to lending capital to moneylenders among traders are "forced" to even though interest
rates higher. This activity takes place continuously until finally they become dependent.
However, most merchant user of moneylenders service in the city of Padang claimed that they do
not too unduly disadvantaged by the presence of moneylenders.
30 Arnalis, Trader, Interviews, Padang, July 25, 2012.
31 Syafri Muluk, Trader, Customer BMT, Interviews, Padang, August 1, 2012
32 Kasmawati, Chairman of Julo-julo, Interviews, Padang, July 21, 2012.
The methods employed by chairman of Julo-julo in attracting customers is creative
enough, by offering an easy and fast procedure without any requirement to make traders more
enjoy it despite high interest loans. They snare traders just based on trust, so that when need
money for capital and urgent need any merchant immediately apply for a loan to the lender,
although according to them money Julo-julo Tembak is hot, not a blessing, and so on. This is
the phenomena in society of region that make religion as power of community development
with indigenous philosophy adat basandi Syarak Syarak basandi kitabullah, there are still many
who do not apply the knowledge of the prohibition of usury.
In general, street vendors in traditional markets used the services of moneylenders in
tackling the problem of their capital. From the number of traders in the market Bandar buat,
according Fazat Rafiah, 70% use the services Julo-julo Tembak. After BMT existed, there is
about 40% can escape from a moneylender with became BMT customer. Although they back
and forth to Julo-julo Tembak and to BMT, even doubling them. BMT efforts done in freeing
people from moneylenders is by offering financing with the requirements and the procedures
which is not like banking standards.33
The traders needs is to get quick funds without the requirements and easy procedures.
While by moneylenders can meet all the requirements and without any guarantee, so traders
more enjoy to Jolo-julo than BMT, although interest on the moneylenders is much higher than
the margin financing at BMT. That‘s why, defeated by moneylenders. However, BMT still need
to be careful to apply the principle of financing. For BMT, financing analysis needs to be done.
BMT always try to speed up the financing process. this is the weakness of BMT that can not
provide the funds immediately, because BMT need to do and through the financing process
correctly.34
From the fact, it can be concluded that BMT has not play a significant role yet in freeing
people from the bondage of moneylenders. Not maximal effort performed BMT in freeing
society from the loan shark that they tend to be more proactive in offering their services to
merchants, it was evidenced by the many traders who prefer to relate to the moneylenders.
33 Fazat Rafiah, Chairman of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah Pasar Bandar Buat, Interviews, August 1,
2012
34 Ismail, Director of BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah, Interviews, Padang, July 25, 2012.
It was also caused by the socialization have not been widening up about the existence and
function of BMT as Islamic microfinance institutions in the community, especially to all traders
who are in the market where BMT located. According to Juliar a trader in Pasar Siteba Padang
she never propose a financing to BMT, because they do not know the process and the procedures,
in addition, it also takes time to manage it. So that these traders prefer to take Julo-julo because
the process of getting funds quickly and it does not need any requirement.35
Not maximal BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah in freeing people from moneylenders can be
seen from the imbalance between the number of existing savers with the number of customers
who receive financing. This showssuggests that BMT only used to save fund, while the people
who receive funding until July 2012 very little, as shown in the table below.
Table 1
Number Customer Funding and Financing At Taqwa BMT Muhammadiyah Padang
BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah
Customer Funding
Pasar Raya
4814 person
Pasar Bandar Buat
2635 person
Pasar Lubuk Buaya
1509 person
Pasar Siteba
1001 person
Source: BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah in 2012
Customer Financing
296 person
173 person
201 person
148 person
Based on this fact we can conclude BMT effort in hold the task as Islamic microfinance
institutions that play a role in freeing the people from the economic practice of usury is not
maximized. BMT has not been proactive in meeting the needs of merchants who have difficulty
in the problem of capital. BMT defeated quickly in offering services and products to merchants
in effort to minimize the bondage of moneylenders to the merchant. On the other hand, the
moneylenders are more proactive in offering services to merchants who was difficulties of
capital. The moneylenders walk around the market as "mobile banks", because they know
exactly what is needed trader .
BMT concepts as Islamic mikrofinance institution, is the concept of managing the funds
at the lowest level of the community is especially small traders. This activity aims to help small
merchants by providing financing in order to expand their businesses and release the public
from dependence on the moneylenders.
35 Juliar and Jawanis, Traders, Interviews, Padang, July 22, 2012.
To achieve that, BMT make breakthrough by 1) Active sosialization in the community
about the importance of the Islamic economic system. 2) Provide the easeness of the process and
requirements of financing to customers in accordance with the feasibility assessment. 3)
Strengthening the institutions BMT with character "pick up the ball". Not only easyness of the
requirements and procedures, fast service, sharia based operations, but also the system
"proactive" applied by BMT managers should be added value for BMT which makes this Islamic
micro institutions can compensate and minimize the influence of moneylenders in the
community. System "pick up the ball" which become BMT character is a strength that makes it
closer to the society. So that society could prefer to relate with BMT than to moneylenders.
Ideally with this power, the movement toward liberation of society from the bondage of
moneylenders, usury and the crush of poverty can be achieved. So that the movement towards
economic development of small communities which has equitable, justice, and prosperous
realized well. Islamic economics aims to improve the life of the community in a fair and
balanced. With this foundation of all parties involved in the economic process will not oppress or
exploit each other. Moral values for the fundamental part of economic activity. This is what to
say by changing the economic system and subordinate eksploitattif be equitable economic
system. Changing economic systems that contain exploitative usury (zulm) be a fair economic
system, which contains a balance between the rich and the poor, who have less capital with or
without capital.
Through Islamic economic system the accumulation of wealth by a group of people can
be avoided, further distribution wealth to the weak public can be done automatically. Through
joint freedom, the Islamic economic system provides opportunities and equal access to everyone.
Individual ownership is protected, balanced with a sense of responsibility and a moral foundation
set up to be fair and balanced with no self-interest and ignore others. All individuals have the
opportunity and equal opportunity to try and allocate its revenue efficiently without disturbing
the balance of the economy. Superiority of Islamic economic system lies in the extent of
harmony and balance can be made between material and spiritual needs, social needs and
interests individual.
E. Conclusion
Although BMT Taqwa Muhamaddiyah who took traditional market base in the city of
Padang has been long established, people to this day still use the services of moneylenders in
overcoming their capital problem. This is because: First, the need for business capital and other
urgent needs. Second, the loan process is fast, easy procedure, and relatively short repayment
period. Third, the difficulty of accessing financial institutions including BMT. Fourth, the lack of
socialization of the BMT. Fifth, lack of awareness on the issue of religious teaching in practice
usury prohibition.
Meanwhile, BMT Taqwa Muhammadiyah as Islamic Microfinance Institutions whose
mission is to free people from economic usury does not show significant role yet, because these
institutions are not being proactive in meeting the needs of small traders toward their capital.
This is evidenced by still a small number of traders who obtained financing from the Islamic
microfinance institutions. So that, the traders who existed in the market where BMT Taqwa
Muhammadiyah be based prefer to use moneylenders service in overcoming their capital
problems. Its expected to the more management of BMT to be proactive in meeting the needs of
society in terms of capitalization, so that dependence on moneylenders can be minimized. To the
missionaries are expected to more often give enlightenment and awareness to the community
about the unlawfulness ribawi economy. To government, its expect to provide facilities for small
traders to access loans.
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