MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Eco Bhinneka, in partnership with the Low Carbon Development Initiative (LCDI), conducted a forum group discussion to explore how religion and interfaith communities can work together to address environmental risks.
Director of Eco Bhinneka Hening Parlan emphasized the urgent need for collaboration, citing data from Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
“In 2024, around 2,100 disasters occurred in Indonesia, and 98 percent were linked to climate change. This partnership between LCDI, Eco Bhinneka, and GreenFaith Indonesia is part of our efforts to strengthen faith-based environmental advocacy,” said Hening Parlan in the discussion held on Thursday, February 13.
Hening stressed that despite global political challenges affecting climate agreements, Indonesia’s environmental efforts should continue by incorporating religious values. She believes religious communities have the moral authority to influence meaningful action.
“This interfaith collaboration is not just about working together but taking tangible actions toward a greener, more sustainable future,” added Hening.
The discussion brought together religious leaders from various backgrounds. Prof. Prabang Setyono, an environmentalist of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) and an advisor to the Muhammadiyah Council for Environmental Preservation, highlighted the role of faith-based organizations in community-driven environmental advocacy. He noted that Muhammadiyah, through Eco Bhinneka, has actively promoted environmental education, conservation, and waste management.
Meanwhile, Rector of Jakarta Theological Seminary Prof. Binsar P. P. Simanjuntak explained how Christian teachings provide an ethical foundation for protecting the environment.
“By focusing on social justice and moral responsibility, religion can help raise awareness and inspire action,” said Prof. Binsar.
In addition, Sapardi from Sriwijaya State Buddhist College discussed how Buddhist teachings emphasize harmony with nature. He pointed to the principles of Metta (loving-kindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy), and Upekkha (equanimity) as key to fostering environmental responsibility.
“These values encourage people to be more mindful and caring toward nature,” explained Sapardi.
