Description: FGD with interfaith youth groups on Advocacy Work in Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks on Thursday, March 13, 2025, held virtually via ZOOM.
Jakarta, March 13, 2025 – The increasingly concerning environmental crisis calls for inclusive and collaborative solutions. Aware of this, the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, in collaboration with The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office of the UK Government (FCDO), organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) themed “Consultation on Advocacy Work in Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks.” The event, held virtually on Thursday, March 13, 2025, is part of Phase 2 of the Low Carbon Development Initiative (LCDI) Program, initiated by Oxford Policy Management Limited (OPML) and Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah.
This FGD serves as a platform to identify effective strategies for fostering interfaith collaboration while emphasizing the crucial role of the younger generation in environmental risk mitigation efforts. As the generation that will inherit the Earth, their voice and actions are deemed essential in creating sustainable change.
The Younger Generation: The Key to the Environmental Justice Movement
Parid Ridwanuddin from Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah and GreenFaith Indonesia, in his opening speech, emphasized the importance of involving young people in addressing the environmental crisis. “According to a 2022 UNDP survey of 2 million young people in 50 countries, the generation aged 0-35 is highly concerned about the current environmental situation. They urge the government to take immediate concrete actions to address the environmental crisis. Meanwhile, those above 36 years old tend to be less concerned,” he stated.
Parid explained that the indifference of previous generations has created intergenerational inequality. “Future generations have the same right to enjoy a healthy Earth. We must leave behind springs, not tears,” he stressed. He also highlighted the importance of providing space for the younger generation in public policy-making processes, considering that floods, landslides, and other environmental disasters continue to occur due to a lack of fundamental changes in environmental management.
As a discussion starter, Al Bawi, an environmental activist from South Kalimantan, shared his experience in the Save Meratus movement. The Meratus region, rich in biodiversity, has long faced threats from deforestation, mining, and climate change. Through interfaith collaboration, Muhammadiyah succeeded in forming environmental-conscious cadres, strengthening advocacy capacity, and raising public awareness about the importance of preserving Meratus.
“Interfaith collaboration and active community participation are key in addressing the environmental crisis,” said Al Bawi. He hopes this movement can inspire similar initiatives across Indonesia, where the younger generation can become agents of change, bringing a positive impact on the environment.
Description: Al Bawi, an environmental activist from South Kalimantan, and the initiator of the Save Meratus movement.
The Strategic Role of Religious Institutions
Ara Kusuma, Youth Work Manager and Integration at Ashoka, emphasized that religious institutions have a strategic role in environmental conservation efforts. “Religious institutions can play a role through three aspects: education and awareness, tangible actions, and policy advocacy,” she explained.
She cited initiatives such as reforestation, waste management, and environmental awareness campaigns that can be driven by faith-based communities, especially youth.
“Let’s, friends, make a positive change around us, starting with simple actions. Let’s encourage others to be aware and take real action as change-makers,” urged Ara.
Description: Ara Kusuma, Youth Work Manager and Integration at Ashoka.
Diversity as Strength
Aldi Destian Satya from the Confucian Youth Community emphasized the importance of interfaith collaboration in preserving both diversity and the environment. “Cultural diversity in Indonesia is a wealth that must be preserved. Each culture has its unique way of conserving nature, such as sustainable farming practices and wise resource management,” he explained.
Aldi encouraged young people to actively participate in environmental conservation activities, such as reforestation and river cleanups. “Youth have the energy and creativity to bring positive change. By working together, we can create a better future for future generations,” he said.
Description: Aldi Destian Satya from the Confucian Youth Community emphasized the importance of interfaith collaboration in preserving both diversity and the environment.
A Shared Commitment to a Sustainable Future
This FGD is the fifth in a series of previous events held in Jakarta, Sawahlunto, Riau, and Ambon. The event serves as tangible evidence of the commitment from various parties to promote low-carbon development and environmental conservation.
“We hope this meeting can make a significant contribution to addressing environmental issues in Indonesia. Let’s make positive change together, starting with the simplest actions, and encourage more people to become change-makers,” concluded Parid Ridwanuddin.
With the spirit of collaboration and active participation from the younger generation, the hope for a greener and more sustainable future becomes increasingly tangible. Let us all be part of this change, as a healthy Earth is the best legacy for future generations. ***
Description: FGD with interfaith youth groups on Advocacy Work in Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks on Thursday, March 13, 2025, held virtually via ZOOM.
