July 15, 2025
By Dadi Darmadi
Depok, July 12, 2025 — As the world grapples with an escalating climate crisis, a groundbreaking conference, “Religious Environmentalism in Action: Knowledge, Movements, and Policies,” will bring together an extraordinary lineup of religious leaders and scholars to champion faith-based solutions for ecological sustainability. Organized by the Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) at Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Jakarta, in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Sciences at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) and Studia Islamika, the event will take place from July 16–18, 2025, at UIII’s campus in Depok, West Java.
This international conference will spotlight the pivotal role of religious communities in addressing environmental challenges, featuring a distinguished roster of speakers who bridge faith, scholarship, and activism. Leading the lineup are prominent Indonesian religious figures whose influence spans millions, alongside globally recognized academics whose research shapes environmental and religious discourse.
Indonesian Religious Leaders at the Forefront
The conference will feature some of Indonesia’s most revered religious leaders, each bringing unique perspectives on how faith can drive environmental stewardship:
– Dr. (H.C.) K.H. Yahya Cholil Staquf, General Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization, is a global advocate for Islam Nusantara and Humanitarian Islam, which emphasizes harmony with nature. His leadership in promoting eco-friendly initiatives within Islamic communities will set a powerful tone for the conference.
– Romo Dr. Aloys Budi Purnomo, Pr, Executive Secretary of the Interreligious and Belief Commission of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), brings a Catholic perspective, highlighting interfaith collaboration in environmental advocacy.
– Mayjen TNI (Ret.) Wisnu Bawa Tenaya, General Chairman of the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI), will share insights on Hindu teachings that emphasize ecological balance and respect for nature.
– Dr. K.H. Marsudi Syuhud, M.A., Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), is a key voice in aligning Islamic principles with sustainable practices, advocating for environmental fatwas to guide communities.
– Pendeta Jacklevyn Fritz Manuputty, General Chairman of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), represents Protestant perspectives, emphasizing the role of Christian communities in grassroots environmental movements.
Global Scholars Shaping the Discourse
Complementing these religious leaders are internationally acclaimed scholars whose research bridges faith, environmental ethics, and policy:
– Prof. Anna Gade from the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a leading expert in Islamic environmentalism, whose work explores how Quranic principles inspire ecological activism. Her keynote will delve into the global rise of “Green Islam.”
– Prof. Michiel Schaeffer of UIII brings a multidisciplinary approach, combining climate science and religious studies to advocate for sustainable policies rooted in faith-based values.
– Prof. Frans Wijsen from Radboud University, Netherlands, is renowned for his research on interreligious dialogue and environmental ethics, offering a comparative perspective on global faith-based movements.
– Dr. Iyad Abumoghli, representing the United Nations Environment Programme, will highlight the intersection of international policy and religious environmental initiatives, emphasizing actionable strategies for sustainability.
– Prof. Iim Halimatusa’diyah, Ph.D., from UIN Jakarta’s Faculty of Social Sciences and PPIM, is a leading Indonesian scholar whose research on faith-based environmental movements underscores the role of local communities in driving change.
A Platform for Collaboration
These speakers will lead interdisciplinary panel discussions, engaging academics, activists, and policymakers in exploring how religious teachings, green movements, and public policies can converge to address the climate crisis. The conference will also feature a thematic exhibition, including Green Religion photography, documentaries, and eco-friendly crafts from religious communities, showcasing tangible outcomes of faith-based environmentalism.
According to Testriono, PhD, the conference convenor, this international event is organized under the Religious Environmentalism Actions (REACT) project, and the program aligns with Indonesia’s national priorities for environmental quality and climate resilience. “It also marks the 30th anniversary of Studia Islamika, celebrating its contributions to global Islamic discourse with a focus on “religion and environmental sustainability,” he said.
In the meantime, Didin Syafruddin, PhD, Director Executive of PPIM UIN Jakarta, said that by uniting these influential figures, the conference aims to foster collaboration between religious communities, scholars, and policymakers, paving the way for innovative, faith-driven solutions to one of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
Join us in Depok this July to witness a transformative dialogue on the power of faith in building a sustainable future.
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia
