Description: Syafiq A Mughni, Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Board for International Relations and Cooperation, shared his thoughts during a sharing session on Energy Transition in Indonesia and the Role of Interfaith held in Jakarta on October 23, 2024. (Photo by: Afid/ @greenfaith.id)
All religions have the noble aim of ensuring the safety of humanity, the environment, and the universe. However, the challenges to achieve a safe and peaceful life are increasing, particularly due to environmental destruction caused by humans themselves. Many behaviors contradict religious teachings, highlighting the need to strengthen the mission of religion with an awareness of our responsibilities.
This message was conveyed by Syafiq A. Mughni, Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Board for International Relations and Cooperation, during a sharing session on Energy Transition in Indonesia and the Role of Interfaith held in Jakarta on October 23, 2024. The event was part of the Field Trip for Japanese Religious Leaders in Indonesia, organized by Greenfaith Indonesia and Greenfaith Japan.
The event brought together various stakeholders, including government representatives, religious leaders, academics, and faith-based organizations, along with Greenfaith Japan and nine representatives from interfaith groups from Japan, to discuss energy transition and its impact on society. Indonesian representatives included leaders from Muhammadiyah, Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia, Sriwijaya State Buddhist College (STABN) in Tangerang, and the National Board of the Confucian Youth Organization of Indonesia.
Description: Syafiq A Mughni, Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Board for International Relations and Cooperation, greeted the participants of the sharing session on Energy Transition in Indonesia and the Role of Interfaith held in Jakarta on October 23, 2024. (Photo by: Afid/ @greenfaith.id)
The program featured a presentation by Luckmi Purwandari from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry on the Role of Youth and Interfaith in Environmental Campaigns and Education, as well as findings on Nickel Research in North Maluku presented by Eko Cahyono from the Sajogyo Institute. One of the highlighted topics was the Indramayu Coal-Fired Power Plant, which is funded by Japan, and the role of faith communities in advocating for more sustainable energy policies.
On this occasion, Syafiq, who is also a Program Advisor for Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, emphasized the need for all religious communities to unite in preserving the environment. “While many of us already have awareness, there are still those who do not understand the importance of religion’s role in caring for nature. Therefore, it is our duty to promote this awareness widely,” he stated.
According to Syafiq, good religious teachings must be actualized into a tangible force that can change our way of life. Muhammadiyah, as one of the faith based organizations, has a strong commitment and various programs to protect the environment. “Let us, as interfaith communities, unite to make religious or beliefs teachings a guiding principle for society in caring for the environment, for the well-being of humanity and the sustainability of the universe,” he urged.
Description: Syafiq A Mughni, Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Board for International Relations and Cooperation, took a photo with all the participants of the sharing session on Energy Transition in Indonesia and the Role of Interfaith held in Jakarta on October 23, 2024. (Photo by: Afid/ @greenfaith.id)
