Description: Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah and Ford Foundation sharing session themed “Working with Those Who Have a Vision at the Frontlines of Social Change Worldwide”, held in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on October 9, 2025.
Pontianak, October 9, 2025 — Communities and grassroots movements play a vital role in driving social change. By empowering those directly affected, they can create more sustainable transformations compared to top-down approaches.
This message was emphasized by Farah Sofa, Program Officer for Natural Resource and Climate Justice (NRCJ) at the Ford Foundation, during a sharing session organized by Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, themed “Working with Those Who Have a Vision at the Frontlines of Social Change Worldwide”, held in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on October 9, 2025.
Farah highlighted that Eco Bhinneka’s work stands as a strong example of how grassroots movements can build bridges and shape a more harmonious and equitable future.
“Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah is a living example of how community-based movements can bridge differences and create a more harmonious future,” she stated in her presentation titled “Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah: A Community’s Contribution to Social Change – Blending Environmental Action with Interfaith Harmony”
Interfaith Youth Roles in Environmental Advocacy
Farah underscored the importance of faith-based advocacy for environmental and social justice. She noted that the Vatican has released the Laudato Si’ doctrine, while Muhammadiyah has developed the Fiqh of a Just Energy Transition.
She challenged Eco Bhinneka’s youth participants to identify key interfaith issues that should be voiced collectively, particularly those related to environmental justice and public policy.
Farah also emphasized the role of youth in social movements, especially in eco-feminism and climate justice.
“Young people have extraordinary energy and a wide-reaching spirit for action. They are one of the most powerful driving forces for social change,” she said.
According to Farah, advocacy must be supported by proper documentation and knowledge sharing.
“It’s important to document religious practices in environmental management in a structured way, and to share them through publications or academic journals. In Indonesia, such academic publications are still relatively rare,” she noted.
At the policy level, she encouraged Eco Bhinneka to promote environmental advocacy grounded in faith and humanity. Various forms of knowledge—such as case studies, field experiences, and empowerment models—should continue to be developed and shared to inspire other communities seeking to build similar movements.
Global Engagement and Collaboration
Farah also invited participants to reflect on how their community voices can be heard globally. International collaboration, she said, does not always require funding.
“Partners can open doors, provide access, or help expand networks. We need to think about all forms of collaboration holistically and with a long-term vision,” she explained.
She further encouraged Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah to establish a dedicated team for communication, networking, and partnership.
“Start by forming a small team focused on communication and outreach. Build regular connections with interfaith and global partners. Not everyone is active on social media—sometimes emails or newsletters can be more effective,” she added.
Movement Models and Sustainability
Farah emphasized that community-based movements are proven to be more resilient and impactful in the long run. She encouraged Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah to envision the kind of transformation they wish to achieve in the next five years.
“Think about what change you want to see in the long term. There can be many ideas and practices, but a movement becomes stronger when it holds onto a clear, shared purpose,” she advised.
She also reminded participants that working in social movements is a marathon, not a sprint.
“If you feel tired, take a breath and pause—but never lose your intention and conviction that even the smallest effort makes a difference,” said Farah.
Regarding long-term collaboration, Farah concluded with a reflection on the importance of humility in working together. “Ego appears when we believe our way is the only right way. We need to set aside ego so we can truly work together to make meaningful change.”
The sharing session was attended by program managers of SMILE (Strengthening Youth Multifaith Leader Initiative on Climate Justice through Ecofeminism)—an initiative under Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah. Participants joined from national and regional levels representing eight areas: East Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, West Java, North Maluku, Jakarta, West Kalimantan, and South Sulawesi.
Description: Group photo of participants and speaker at the Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah and Ford Foundation sharing session themed “Working with Those Who Have a Vision at the Frontlines of Social Change Worldwide”, held in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on October 9, 2025.
