Description: The discussion session of the FGD on “Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks” in Ambon, February 27, 2025. (Photo by: Adit)
Ambon, February 27, 2025 – The escalating ecological crisis and its adverse impact on the wider community call for concrete actions from all layers of society. The acute ecological crisis is marked by the increasing frequency of disasters, particularly floods and landslides, which have displaced over 70 million people since 2000 – 2024. Furthermore, the climate crisis, which triggers mass biodiversity extinction, serves as a clear sign that the Earth is in serious decline. At this juncture, the role of religion is crucial in sustaining the planet’s future.
To support the low-carbon development goals by 2060, religious leaders, academics, and environmental activists from Maluku gathered in Ambon on February 27, 2024, to discuss the importance of religious involvement in addressing the adverse impacts of the climate crisis, especially in Maluku. As an archipelagic region, Maluku has great potential in areas such as mining, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. However, the climate crisis poses a significant threat to coastal communities and small islands.
Hening Parlan, Director of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, emphasized that low-carbon development is not only the responsibility of universities or local governments. All parties, including interfaith groups, must be involved in achieving it. “Green economy and green environment themes must be part of our shared mission. Especially with the international COP28 meeting in Dubai, which introduced the faith-based pavilion for the first time. The role of religion in advocating for climate justice is crucial, not only to reduce its impact but also to preserve humanity’s relationship with God, fellow humans, and the environment,” said Hening.
Description: Hening Parlan, Director of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, gives an introduction at the FGD “Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks” in Ambon, February 27, 2025. (Photo by: Adit)
The climate crisis has had significant impacts on people’s lives in terms of economy, health, and the environment. For example, Hening pointed out, fishermen unable to catch fish due to rising sea temperatures or farmers whose crops fail due to floods. Therefore, interfaith groups need to strengthen their capacity through proper training or information about climate change to become the frontline in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Dr. Thaib Hunsow, Chairman of the Regional Board of Muhammadiyah Maluku, stressed the importance of religious leaders in conveying environmental issues to the community. “Religious leaders have a responsibility to protect nature and raise awareness among the public about the importance of environmental preservation. In many mosques or places of worship, let’s continue to address the dangers of waste and environmental degradation, which, if left unchecked, could bring disasters to us all,” he urged.
Description: Dr. Thaib Hunsow, Head of Muhammadiyah Regional Board in Maluku, delivers the opening speech and officially opens the FGD “Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks” in Ambon, February 27, 2025. (Photo by: Adit)
Dr. Abdul Manaf Tubaka, a Religious Sociology academic from IAIN Ambon, highlighted the importance of in-depth religious literacy on environmental issues. “In religious institutions, we must understand that the climate crisis has a significant impact on human survival. There is a gap in religious literacy on this issue, even though the government has already provided space for public participation. We hope this can be the starting point for better collaboration,” Dr. Manaf said.
Pastor John Victor Kainama, Head of the Environment and Disaster Bureau of the Protestant Church of Maluku (GPM), added, “The Protestant Church of Maluku understands that ecological responsibility is part of faith. We are committed to working with the government, all religions, church denominations, and other elements of society to ensure environmental preservation as a shared home for all creatures.” Furthermore, Pastor John explained that GPM already has an environmental advocacy guideline that is realized in concrete actions together with the entire community. “We see today’s forum as strategic for expanding environmental advocacy based on justice,” he added.
M. Yusuf Sangadji, Executive Director of Jala Ina (Jaga Laut Indonesia), reminded that Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic country, is also highly vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis. For example, the Maluku Province has 1,292 small islands, and the North Maluku Province has 863 small islands. “Thus, the Maluku Archipelago has a total of 2,155 islands. This archipelagic region is very vulnerable to the climate crisis,” he said.
Description: M. Yusuf Sangadji, Executive Director of Jala Ina (Save the Ocean Indonesia), serves as the discussion starter for the FGD “Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks” in Ambon, February 27, 2025. (Photo by: Adit)
He emphasized the importance of the archipelagic region, which is characteristic of Indonesia. Moreover, he stressed the need for community involvement as a solution to address the problem of encroachment on living spaces. “The loss of livelihoods and increasing poverty rates are often linked to environmentally unfriendly investments and the loss of public participation. We need to encourage this understanding and return to sustainable natural resources,” said Yusuf.
This discussion was held as part of the Consultation on Advocacy Work in Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks, organized by Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah in collaboration with GreenFaith and Oxford Policy Management Limited (OPML), and supported by IAIN Ambon and the Regional Board of Muhammadiyah Maluku.
The FGD was attended by more than 40 people from religious-based organizations, academics, and the media. This event will serve as the starting point for wider consolidation and solidarity to push for environmental preservation efforts in Maluku. (*)
Description: Group photo of the participants of the FGD “Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks” in Ambon, February 27, 2025. (Photo by: Adit)
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About Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah
Muhammadiyah initiated Eco Bhinneka to promote interfaith harmony in Indonesia through environmental approaches. In 2025, Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah and Oxford Policy Management Limited (OPML) will carry out a consultation 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 in managing environmental risks and climate change. In this effort, Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah collaborates with GreenFaith Indonesia.
About LCDI
Low Carbon Development Indonesia (LCDI) is a development platform that aims to maintain economic and social growth through low Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission development activities while minimizing natural resource exploitation. This program encourages sustainable development that balances economic, social, and environmental sustainability needs.
About GreenFaith Indonesia
GreenFaith is a global interfaith organization based in New York since 1992 and has expanded to 11 countries. GreenFaith is a movement that encourages interfaith cooperation to reduce the impacts of climate change. In Indonesia, GreenFaith was established in 2023, focusing on Faith for Climate Action, which includes interfaith action on climate change impacts, interfaith training for climate justice, and building interfaith perspectives in the energy transition. Updates on GreenFaith Indonesia’s activities can be followed on Instagram @greenfaith.id.***
