MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – GreenFaith Indonesia, in collaboration with Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, organized an Interfaith House of Worship Tour, visiting and engaging in dialogue with six houses of worship representing religions in Indonesia.
Besides commemorating the World Environment Day on June 5, 2024, the tour aimed to show models and innovations of how different faiths in Indonesia are contributing to addressing the climate crisis through concrete actions.
Hening Parlan, Director of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, explained that houses of worship serve not only as places for religious rituals and communion with God but also as centers of knowledge and exemplary models of religious actions in fulfilling God’s commandments.
“Through this Interfaith House of Worship Tour, I hope that participants can exchange knowledge on how religions teach us to love the environment and cherish the Earth, while also providing knowledge for their congregations to take action in saving the planet,” he stated.
The tour commenced with a visit to Pura Adhitya Jaya in Rawamangun, followed by GIPB Paulus in Taman Sunda Kelapa, and concluded at the Yayasan Buddha Tzu Chi in Pantai Indah Kapuk.
On the second day, the tour route included a visit to the Muhammadiyah Office in Menteng Raya, followed by Masjid Istiqlal in Central Jakarta, and culminated in a joint prayer at Hok Tek Tjeng Sin Temple in South Jakarta.
Pinandita Pengayah Pura Adhitya Jaya, I Gde Wiyadnya, shared that for Hindus, the universe is a reflection of humanity itself. To maintain the balance of the Panca Mahabhuta (Five Elements), explained Gde, Tri Hita Karana is essential – maintaining a harmonious relationship between humans, God, and nature.
Pendeta GPIB Paulus Rommi Matheos highlighted that the concept of salvation itself entails God’s command to care for His creation, ensuring the well-being of both the world and its inhabitants.
“At GPIB Paulus, we have adopted paperless practices during our worship services and have provided recycling bins to encourage our congregation to sort waste properly,” he elaborated.
Hening further explained that Muhammadiyah movement is rooted in the spirit of Al Ma’un, including environmental conservation efforts. Muhammadiyah is expected to contribute to raising awareness among its members to be more environmentally conscious.
