Description: Kristina Damayanti, a member of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah Surakarta, demonstrates how to use the waste classification gameboard on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at UMS. (Photo: @ecobhinneka_solo)
“I used to think Muhammadiyah was only a religious movement for Muslims,” said Kristina Damayanti (17), a high school student and member of an interfaith community, during a meeting at the Environmental and Diversity Student Jamboree at the Danau Cafeteria, Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta, on Sunday (August 10). “But after participating in this event, I see that Muhammadiyah is very open and cares for everyone, regardless of religion,” she added.
Initially, Kristina joined simply because she was interested in the environmental theme. However, warm interactions with the organizers and other participants changed her perspective. “I felt completely accepted. We had discussions, made eco-bricks, planted trees, and planned joint actions. There were no barriers between us, even though we come from different religions,” she said.
Not only did she participate, but Kristina also contributed her creativity by designing a waste classification gameboard. This educational game was played together with all jamboree participants, combining fun and learning about sorting organic, inorganic, and hazardous waste.
“I wanted to invite friends to learn while playing. Everyone turned out to be very enthusiastic,” she added.
Description: Board games for waste type classification. (Photo by: Alifa / @ecobhinneka)
For Kristina, this experience raised her awareness that protecting the environment is not just the duty of professional environmental activists, but a call for everyone. “It turns out movements like Muhammadiyah play a major role in encouraging people to care for the environment. They present it in a friendly, creative way that involves everyone,” she said.
According to her, the symbolic tree planting and the launch of the mascot “Elo” at the event sent a strong message that real action can start with small steps.
“If we want a sustainable environment, we need to work together—across faiths, ages, and backgrounds,” she said.
Description: Education through the waste classification board game created by Kristina. (Photo: @ecobhinneka_solo)
Kristina returned home with a renewed determination. She plans to encourage her community to follow this collaborative model. “Muhammadiyah has shown that caring for the Earth is part of caring for humanity. That is what I will take home,” she concluded.
(Uswa)
