Description: Group photo session with participants of the FGD Consultation on “Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks” on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Pekanbaru, Riau.
Pekanbaru, February 26, 2025 – The increasingly apparent environmental crisis demands concrete action from various elements of society. Acknowledging the important role of religion in preserving the earth, Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah and GreenFaith Indonesia held a Forum Group Discussion (FGD) in Pekanbaru, Riau. The event was attended by 42 participants from diverse backgrounds, including religious leaders, environmental experts, interfaith organizations, and representatives from disability groups. Of these, 14 participants were women. The event received support from Bappenas and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) of the UK Government through Oxford Policy Management Limited (OPML).
With the theme “Religious and Interfaith Involvement in Managing Environmental Risks,” the discussion aimed to formulate concrete steps to address environmental challenges. Participants agreed to find strategic solutions to support low-carbon development in Indonesia. As part of a series of discussions in three cities—Sawahlunto, Ambon, and Pekanbaru—this FGD marks the beginning of interfaith collaboration in environmental preservation. The outcomes of the discussion will be submitted to the Bappenas Ministry for consideration in the formulation of the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).
This FGD is part of the Low Carbon Development Initiative Phase-2 (LCDI2), which aims to integrate the role of religious organizations in addressing environmental challenges. Recommendations from the forum will form the basis for strengthening the capacity of religious organizations in supporting low-carbon development in Indonesia.
Description: FGD Consultation on “Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks” on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Pekanbaru, Riau.
Religion as a Force for Environmental Transformation
Dr. H.M. Rasyad Zein, Vice Chairman of Muhammadiyah Riau, emphasized that the interfaith approach is an effective solution to the environmental crisis. “All religions teach noble values to maintain the balance of nature,” he said.
Meanwhile, Parid Ridwanuddin, Program Manager of GreenFaith Indonesia, mentioned that environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution have become serious threats to human life. “In Indonesia, the impact of environmental destruction not only damages ecosystems but also threatens public health, the economy, and security,” he said. He emphasized that religious teachings focusing on environmental preservation can serve as a strong foundation for real action. “Religion is not only about worship but also a moral responsibility to the environment,” he added.
Ecological Jihad: A Resistance Against the Environmental Crisis
Dr. Muhammad Ikhsan, Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Riau Environmental Council, emphasized that environmental preservation is part of maqasid syariah (the goals of Islamic law). He highlighted the role of religious organizations in educating the public, influencing policies, and encouraging eco-friendly practices in daily life.
Dr. Elviriadi, M.Si, an academic and environmental activist, highlighted the deforestation rate of 11,000 hectares per year in Riau. He called for an “Ecological Jihad,” involving active religious engagement in combating the environmental crisis caused by moral and spiritual degradation. “Religion must be a transformative force in upholding ecological justice,” he stressed.
Rev. Masieli Zendrato, Secretary-General of PGI Riau, encouraged the church to become an “Eco Church,” meaning an environmentally-friendly church actively engaged in environmental advocacy. “The church should not only speak but also take real action in protecting God’s creation,” he said.
From the Buddhist perspective, Jonno, representative of the Indonesian Buddhist Community Union of Riau Province, stressed the importance of strong regulations in environmental management.
“Without strong policies, environmental conservation efforts will be in vain,” he said. He also emphasized the need for justice in natural resource management, especially in resolving land conflicts.
Jaelani, Deputy Treasurer of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), emphasized the importance of strict law enforcement in environmental preservation. Meanwhile, Frans, a representative from PGI, even proposed heavy penalties for environmental offenders as a commitment to ecological justice.
Description: FGD Consultation on “Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks” on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Pekanbaru, Riau.
Collective Awareness for the Future of the Earth
Wirdati Irma, Chairwoman of the LLHPB PW ‘Aisyiyah Riau, emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about environmental issues. “We are not only consumers of the environment but also its guardians,” she said. She cited educational campaigns in schools on peatland and mangrove preservation as a real step in building awareness among the younger generation.
This discussion highlighted that religion is not merely a spiritual belief but also a driving force for social change in facing the environmental crisis. Through interfaith collaboration, it is hoped that real actions will emerge to ensure environmental sustainability for future generations.
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About Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah:
Muhammadiyah initiated Eco Bhinneka to promote interfaith harmony in Indonesia through an environmental approach. In 2025, Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah and Oxford Policy Management Limited (OPML) are conducting consultations on advocacy work in religious and interfaith engagement to mitigate and manage environmental risks in Sawahlunto (West Sumatra), Pekanbaru (Riau), and Ambon (Maluku). This initiative aims to strengthen the role of religion and interfaith collaboration in managing environmental risks and climate change. In this initiative, Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah is collaborating with GreenFaith Indonesia.
About LCDI:
Low Carbon Development Indonesia (LCDI) is a development platform aimed at maintaining economic and social growth through low Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission activities and minimizing the exploitation of natural resources. The program encourages sustainable development that balances economic, social, and environmental sustainability needs.
About GreenFaith Indonesia:
GreenFaith is an interfaith organization based in New York since 1992, now operating in 11 countries. GreenFaith is a movement that promotes interfaith collaboration to reduce the impact of climate change. In Indonesia, GreenFaith was established in 2023, focusing on Faith for Climate Action, which involves interfaith action on climate change, climate justice training, and building interfaith perspectives on the energy transition. For updates on GreenFaith Indonesia’s activities, follow their Instagram @greenfaith.id.
