“Interfaith leaders, women activists, and youth activists in Banyuwangi, East Java, attended the JISRA Baseline Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on March 19, 2022, and supported the Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah initiative.”
The Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah program in Banyuwangi is coordinated by Windarti as regional manager and Lia Karisma Saraswati as regional staff, both representing the Central Board of Nasyiatul Aisyiyah. In the Eco Bhinneka program in Banyuwangi – East Java, the desired change is to create a truly tolerant social climate in Banyuwangi. This is not limited to mere discourse, formality, or ceremony, but is embedded in the mindset of individuals in the community, ultimately creating a life of harmony, tranquility, and peace for all time.
One of the efforts made is to involve all parties from various circles in every Eco Bhinneka activity. All parties are treated equally and fairly, without any gaps despite different backgrounds. Coordination efforts will be more effective if carried out with influential figures in the local environment. Coordination with the village and regional governments is also necessary so that the various activities carried out receive support and a positive response from various parties.
The success of this program will be an opportunity for exemplary leadership. Muhammadiyah can be a pioneer, sustainer, and perfecter of a tolerant life and environmental sustainability in Banyuwangi. Muhammadiyah will become a good role model for other groups. It is then hoped that collaboration can occur between Muhammadiyah and interfaith communities and environmental activists in realizing a tolerant and environmentally conscious society.
Nothing is perfect. The same goes for this program. A pluralistic society and individuals with various characters are a challenge in themselves. It is not easy to instill a concept of a tolerant and environmentally caring mindset and practice. The effort to overcome this challenge is through consistent work and patience. By continuously spreading benefits at the program implementation locations, it is certain that the community will come to trust the activities carried out by JISRA Muhammadiyah-Nasyiatul Aisyiyah. In the end, it will become easier to guide the community’s mindset to be tolerant and environmentally friendly.
This program will involve many parties, including FKUB (Forum for Religious Harmony), interfaith leaders, community leaders, traditional leaders, youth communities, women’s communities, environmental activist communities, GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) communities, Muhammadiyah Leadership, AMM (Muhammadiyah Youth Wing), the Village Government, and the Regional Government. As much as possible, this program will always involve various parties without regard to ethnicity, religion, race, or intergroup relations (SARA).
We are optimistic that this program will run well in Banyuwangi because the area was initially already tolerant & its people care about environmental sustainability. So, with the presence of Eco Bhinneka, it can increase the enthusiasm of the Banyuwangi community to always apply a harmonious, tolerant, and environmentally friendly way of life.
A Glimpse of the Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah Program in Banyuwangi – East Java
Problem Formulation: The assisted villages and schools lack awareness in managing a healthy and clean environment, leading to a potential threat of stunting.
Changes: Village residents and schools, consisting of various ethnicities, religions, and other social backgrounds, must actively participate in managing the environment; Harmony and peace between religious followers can be realized through joint activities in managing a clean and healthy environment.
Involvement of various parties in the program:
- Regional Leadership of Muhammadiyah, Regional Leadership of ‘Aisyiyah, and autonomous organizations
- Village Government
- Health Office
- Environmental Agency
- Interfaith Leaders
- Environmental Activist Communities
- Community Leaders
- Traditional Leaders
- Forum for Religious Harmony (FKUB)
- Women’s Communities
- Youth Communities
- Teachers
- Students
- Interfaith Council
- GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) Communities
Activity Stages:
- Building relationships with the stakeholders involved;
- Holding special meetings for mutual agreement;
- Creating a program;
- Implementing the program;
- Publicizing every activity both internally and externally.
Action Plan:
- Assessment
- Capacity building
- FGD Baseline study
- Community and story campaigns
- Training of Trainers (ToT) for program facilitators
- Eco Bhinneka workshops in assisted villages and schools
- Program study development
- Monitoring & evaluation
Author: Windarti (Regional Manager of JISRA Muhammadiyah Banyuwangi – East Java)
