Decription: Group photo of the participants of the FGD “Consultation on Advocacy Work in Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks” in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, on February 23, 2025.
Sawahlunto, February 23, 2025 – In the context of the Consultation on Advocacy Work in Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks, Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, together with GreenFaith and Oxford Policy Management Limited (OPML), in collaboration with the Muhammadiyah Regional Board of Sawahlunto, held a discussion forum involving various stakeholders, attended by 41 participants, including religious leaders, traditional leaders, women’s groups, people with special needs, and other stakeholders. This meeting aimed to explore how communities, through cross-sector collaboration, can collectively manage environmental risks and mitigate the impact of environmental damage that could harm future generations.
Sawahlunto, with the tagline “Cultural Mining Tourism,” is a city located in the West Sumatra Province. During the Dutch colonial period, Sawahlunto was known as a coal mining town. The city went into decline when coal mining ceased. Today, Sawahlunto has developed into a multi-ethnic historical tourism city, making it one of the best-preserved old cities in Indonesia. The city, founded in 1888, is home to many old Dutch colonial buildings, some of which have been designated as cultural heritage sites by the local government to encourage tourism and were recognized as a UNESCO Heritage site in 2019.
This event is particularly important and interesting for religious institutions and indigenous communities because a sustainable environment is a common goal. However, climate change impacts are already being felt. “In Sawahlunto, landslides and floods have occurred several times, and we do not want this to happen again, especially resulting in casualties. Muhammadiyah is determined to actively manage the environment to ensure the availability of natural resources and a healthy life for the community,” said Asrul, the Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Regional Board of Sawahlunto, West Sumatra. Through this discussion, Asrul hopes to gather valuable information on how to protect and preserve the environment in Sawahlunto.
Hening Parlan, Advisor to Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah and an activist with the Muhammadiyah Environmental Council and the Disaster Management and Environmental Institution of ‘Aisyiyah, explained that the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), in collaboration with The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) of the UK Government, is implementing the Low Carbon Development Initiative (LCDI) Phase 2 program. As part of the LCDI program and to enhance collaboration between religious and interfaith organizations in climate action, Oxford Policy Management Limited (OPML) and Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah organized this discussion forum titled “Consultation on Advocacy Work in Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks.”
“At this forum, we will hear views from interfaith groups, indigenous communities, women, and people with disabilities regarding environmental development. The summary of this event will be delivered to the government, with the goal of providing recommendations on inclusive and sustainable environmental development,” said Hening.
Irzam, Assistant I of Sawahlunto City Government, attended on behalf of the Mayor of Sawahlunto and expressed appreciation for choosing Sawahlunto as the location for this event. “Since being recognized as a World Heritage City by UNESCO, Sawahlunto is not only for the people of West Sumatra but also for the international community. We hope that such activities will continue, and we can all collaborate to maintain interfaith communication and partnerships to ensure that this World Heritage site benefits the community,” said Irzam.
Description: Speech by Irzam, Assistant I of Sawahlunto City Government, representing the Mayor of Sawahlunto, at the FGD “Consultation on Advocacy Work in Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks” in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, on February 23, 2025.
On this occasion, the Head of the Sawahlunto FKUB (Forum for Religious Harmony), Adi Muaris, reminded everyone of the importance of environmental stewardship as part of religious responsibility. “Global warming and environmental damage are caused by disturbances in the ecosystem. We hope that former mining areas can be managed again to become green and beneficial to the community,” he said.
The Head of the Housing, Settlement Areas, Land, and Environment Office, Heanthomas, emphasized the importance of environmentally friendly and sustainable development. “The Environmental Quality Index (IKLH) of Sawahlunto has decreased from the previous year. We hope that the public will be more concerned about water and waste management and support low-carbon development efforts in this city,” said Thomas. Low-carbon development, Thomas explained, is sustainable development that does not solely rely on the economy but also seeks to prevent negative environmental impacts. In Sawahlunto, the implementation of low-carbon development is reflected in various activities, including climate village programs, waste banks, and revegetation of former mining areas.
Description: FGD “Consultation on Advocacy Work in Religious and Interfaith Engagement to Mitigate and Manage Environmental Risks” in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, on February 23, 2025.
Furthermore, Dahler Datuak Panghulu Sati, a Traditional Leader from the Minangkabau Customary Institution (LKAAM) of Sawahlunto, reminded everyone that Sawahlunto, which is traversed by three large rivers, has the potential for disaster risks. “Traditionally, environmental management in Minangkabau is very organized. Each village (nagari) manages its own territory, forests, and livestock. Let us work together to preserve our wisdom and build a greener, healthier environment so that we can continue to live in a thriving condition,” said Dahler.
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About Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah
Muhammadiyah initiated Eco Bhineka 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). The aim of this activity is to strengthen the role of religion and interfaith organizations in managing environmental risks and climate change. Eco Bhineka Muhammadiyah is collaborating with GreenFaith Indonesia on this initiative.
About LCDI:
LCDI, or the Low Carbon Development Initiative, is a new development platform that aims to sustain economic and social growth through low-carbon-emission development activities and minimize natural resource exploitation. This program promotes sustainable development that can balance economic, social, and environmental sustainability needs.
