Description: Hening Parlan, the Director of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, was recently awarded the “Planet Award” by the British Embassy in Jakarta.
Jakarta, December 11, 2024 – In celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Indonesia and their exceptional partnership, Hening Parlan, National Coordinator of Green Faith Indonesia, was recently awarded the “Planet Award” by the British Embassy in Jakarta. This award is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the health and sustainability of our planet and represent the best cooperation between the UK and Indonesia in the field of the environment.
Hening Parlan is widely known for her leadership in various environmental initiatives, including serving as the Vice Chairwoman of the Environmental Council of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah and the Vice Chairwomen of the Environmental and Disaster Management Institution (LLHPB) of the Central Board of ‘Aisyiyah. As an activist in Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah, Hening has made significant contributions in promoting sustainability actions and environmentally friendly management practices that respect diversity. She also initiated movements such as Eco Jihad, Green ‘Aisyiyah, Building Family and Community Resilience Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic, Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, which is part of the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA), the Global Forum for Climate Movement which led to the creation of MCC (Muhammadiyah Climate Center), 1000 Cahaya with ViriyaENB, and the management of MUI Media.
At Green Faith, Hening has been the National Coordinator of GreenFaith Indonesia since 2023 and has been active since 2018 as a GreenFaith International Fellow. GreenFaith is a faith-based organization headquartered in New York and currently operates in 11 countries. GreenFaith is a movement that encourages interfaith collaboration to reduce the impacts of climate change. Activities at GreenFaith include Faith for Climate Action, which encourages individuals from different faiths to take action to address the impacts of climate change, interfaith training for climate justice, and building interfaith perspectives on energy transition.
Eco Bhinneka is a new approach to building peace through environmental management and diversity. The term “Eco” refers to “Ecology,” which encompasses the interactions between living beings and their environment. “Bhinneka,” on the other hand, refers to the values of Indonesia’s national motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,” meaning “unity in diversity.” This program has successfully fostered religious harmony in Indonesia through an environmental-based approach in four provinces with different environmental issues and belief systems: Pontianak (West Kalimantan), Ternate (North Maluku), Surakarta (Central Java), and Banyuwangi (East Java). Eco Bhinneka encourages religious communities to collaborate in preventing environmental damage and adopting climate-based solution approaches.
The 1000 Cahaya Program is Muhammadiyah’s initiative to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources that harm the environment. The program aims to build a green movement focused on branches, schools, Islamic boarding schools, and mosques. Hening Parlan, the Coordinator of the 1000 Cahaya Program, explained that within three years, the program aims to involve 1,000 actions that shed light on the dark side of the climate crisis. 1000 Cahaya encourages Muhammadiyah’s businesses to transition to clean energy sources, reduce carbon footprints, and raise awareness about sustainability. This program not only seeks to replace energy sources but also to inspire the community to take real steps in protecting the planet by using renewable energy in various sectors such as education, worship, and social activities. With a commitment to creating a healthier and cleaner environment, 1000 Cahaya is dedicated to contributing to the challenge of climate change and promoting a more sustainable future for the next generation.
Description: Hening Parlan, as one of the awardees in the “Planet” category, was recognized for her role in strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and the UK and driving sustainability and climate action efforts.
On this occasion, Hening Parlan expressed her gratitude and happiness for receiving the award. “I am very grateful and honored to receive the ‘Planet Award.’ This is not only a personal recognition but also an acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of many parties, especially the environmental activists from Muhammadiyah, ‘Aisyiyah, and GreenFaith Indonesia, who have worked together to promote environmental sustainability and interfaith harmony. Let us celebrate this achievement and continue to strengthen collaboration between our two countries for a better and greener future,” said Hening.
On this occasion, Hening also called on all elements of society to work together in caring for and preserving the earth as our shared home. “Our collective participation is crucial. No one can work alone in facing the enormous challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. Let us come together, across religions, cultures, and sectors, to protect and preserve this planet for future generations. Only through unity and sincerity can we create a better future for the earth and future generations,” she added.
The award, presented by the British Ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey, and the Indonesian Ambassador to the UK, Desra Percaya, recognizes the outstanding contributions of the award recipients in four strategic pillars: People, Planet, Prosperity, and Peace. Hening Parlan, as one of the awardees in the “Planet” category, was recognized for her role in strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and the UK and driving sustainability and climate action efforts.
This award also represents recognition of the ongoing international cooperation between the UK and Indonesia in preserving the planet and supporting initiatives focused on environmental issues.
Congratulations to Hening Parlan on this remarkable achievement, and may her contributions to sustainability continue to inspire many in building a better future for our planet.
