MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, in partnership with GreenFaith Indonesia and with support from the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), hosted an interfaith dialogue and result dissemination at the Muhammadiyah headquarters, Jakarta, on Thursday, March 20.
The event aimed to strengthen the role of religious communities in addressing climate change and fostering collaboration for a more sustainable Indonesia. It brought together religious leaders, environmental activists, diplomats, interfaith organizations, youth representatives, and people with disabilities, demonstrating a shared commitment to tackling the climate crisis.
Ari F. Adipratomo, Low Carbon Policy and Programme Advisor at the British Embassy in Jakarta, expressed appreciation for the initiative in his virtual address.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Syafiq Mughni emphasized the need for a religious approach that supports environmental sustainability.
“Environmental issues and the climate crisis are major concerns for Muhammadiyah. Religion should not only guide our relationship with God but also how we care for nature. As khalifah (a successive human authority) of the earth, this is our responsibility,” stated Syafiq.
Syafiq also highlighted the problem of excessive waste during Ramadan, noting that food waste increases by up to 20% during the holy month.
“This shows we still lack awareness of our environmental responsibilities. We need to revive the spirit of a green Ramadan and adopt more sustainable habits,” added Syafiq.
Besides, Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah Director Hening Parlan presented the outcomes of recent advocacy efforts carried out from January to March 2025.
“We have conducted advocacy programs in Jakarta, Sawahlunto (West Sumatra), Pekanbaru (Riau), Ambon (Maluku), and online. Our goal is to explore how interfaith engagement can contribute to climate change mitigation,” said Hening.
Hening stressed that religious teachings play a vital role in encouraging environmental awareness and responsibility.
“Faith communities uphold moral values that promote responsible environmental stewardship, sustainability, and justice. These principles are deeply embedded in religious scriptures,” said Hening.
The advocacy efforts have resulted in several policy recommendations for national and local governments, religious institutions, and interfaith coalitions. These include reviewing policies that contribute to environmental damage, strengthening eco-friendly regulations, increasing funding for environmental programs, enhancing cross-sector collaboration, and raising public awareness, particularly among vulnerable communities.
