Jakarta, September 11, 2025 – Ashoka Indonesia, together with Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah and GreenFaith Indonesia, launched the book Spiritual Changemakers: A Lantern of Diversity for Earth and Humanity in Jakarta on Thursday (9/11). The book documents the collaborative journey of interfaith initiatives in caring for the Earth, strengthening empathy, and advancing socio-ecological justice.
Prof. Abdul Mu’ti, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education of Indonesia, emphasized in his remarks that humanity, happiness, and freedom are values that nurture empathy and solidarity across groups.
“Spirituality does not stop at personal belief; it becomes real energy for social change,” he said.
Nani Zulminarni, Regional Director of Ashoka Southeast Asia, shared that the initiative began in 2020 when she envisioned faith-based communities collaborating in social movements. In 2022, the first workshop gathered more than 70 practitioners who immediately took concrete action, from cleaning rivers to launching green church movements.
“From there, this book was born—rooted in real life, with empathy and common sense as the foundation of change,” Nani said at the launch.
Hening Parlan, Program Director of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah and National Coordinator of GreenFaith Indonesia, described the book as a testament to spiritual changemakers who work quietly yet create widespread impact.
“May it serve as a light for movements that are just, peaceful, and sustainable,” she said.
The launch discussion featured environmental activist Prigi Arisandi, Parid Ridwanuddin (GreenFaith Indonesia), and Rev. Meilany Risamasu (GPIB Karang Satria).
Description: Discussion Session of the Spiritual Changemakers Book on September 11, 2025, at Kekini Cafe, Jakarta.
Rev. Meilany highlighted the importance of showing empathy toward all creation through the green church movement. Meanwhile, Prigi raised concerns about the threat of microplastics, urging young people to get directly involved so that their empathy could grow into real action.
Prigi also stressed the importance of visualizing information as a way to inspire and mobilize people, while showcasing positive stories and diverse grassroots initiatives as examples of change that can be replicated.
Parid Ridwanuddin affirmed that change does not emerge from a vacuum but from deeply held values and the calling for humanity to work together to safeguard the Earth for future generations.
The book launch reinforces Ashoka’s vision: Everyone a Changemaker. By elevating empathy as a universal language, Spiritual Changemakers emerges as a spiritual guide that integrates faith with real action to respond to the challenges of our time.
Description: Group photo of all participants and speakers at the Launch of Spiritual Changemakers: A Lantern of Diversity for Earth and Humanity.
