MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – In a unique display of unity, the Muhammadiyah hosted an interfaith iftar event on Wednesday, March 27, at the Muhammadiyah Office of Jakarta. Themed “Building Brotherhood in Peace and Happiness,” the gathering brought together representatives from a diverse range of organizations and faiths, fostering dialogue and collaboration around a critical issue: environmental protection.
The representatives were from Nahdlatul Ulama, Shia Islam, Aliran Penghayatan, Hinduism, and a number of embassies to Indonesia such as the embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the U.S. Embassy, and the Australian Embassy.
General Secretary Muhammadiyah Mu’ti Abdul welcomed the guests, acknowledging the richness of the assembled group. He pointed to Indonesia’s remarkable diversity, a nation where countless differences coexist in harmony. “This gathering is a testament to that strength,” Mu’ti remarked.
He went on to praise the Eco Bhinneka program for its innovative approach. Eco Bhinneka focuses on building bridges between different faiths, fostering cooperation in the fight to protect the environment. Mu’ti highlighted the tendency to view environmental issues solely as the domain of governments and international organizations. Eco Bhinneka, he said, offers a refreshing perspective, emphasizing the power of community-driven action and the importance of harnessing local knowledge.
Lambert Grijns, the Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, expressed his gratitude for the invitation and lauded Eco Bhinneka’s mission. He emphasized the program’s critical role in ensuring the survival of humanity and the planet. The Ambassador commended religious organizations like Muhammadiyah for taking a leadership role in environmental protection efforts.
Representatives from the US and Australian embassies echoed these sentiments, stressing that environmental challenges are global problems that demand a united response.
Hening Parlan, Director of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, delved deeper into the program’s core message, “Working Together Across Faiths for Ecological Salvation.” She underscored the urgency of tackling the climate crisis, a situation the United Nations has labeled a full-blown emergency. Hening emphasized that environmental protection is not just a moral imperative, but also a cornerstone of conflict prevention. Throughout history, she explained, competition for dwindling natural resources has often been a catalyst for conflict.
By fostering interfaith cooperation and empowering communities, Eco Bhinneka seeks to build a more sustainable and peaceful future for all. The program serves as a powerful reminder that protecting our planet requires a collective effort, one that transcends differences in faith and background.
