July 17, 2025
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Achmad Jatnika & Sarah Permatasari
The Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, in collaboration with Faculty of Social Sciences at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Jakarta, hosted an International Conference on Religious Environmentalism in Action: Knowledge, Movements, and Policies from July 16 to 18, 2025, at UIII campus in Depok, West Java.
The conference was organized as part of PPIM’s flagship initiative “Religious Environmentalism Actions (REACT)”, bringing together scholars, religious leaders, activists, and policymakers from Indonesia and around the world to explore the intersection of religion and environmental sustainability, and to respond collectively to the escalating global climate crisis.
“This conference is one of the flagship activities under REACT, conducted in partnership with Embassy of the Netherlands in Jakarta. The project aimed at empowering young religious leaders and communities to achieve sustainable environmental development in Indonesia,” said Dr. Didin Syafruddin, Executive Director of PPIM UIN Jakarta. “It also commemorates the 30th anniversary of our journal, Studia Islamika, which has consistently advanced academic discourse on Islam in Southeast Asia.”
The conference welcomed leading religious figures in Indonesia, including Minister of Religious Affairs Prof. Nasaruddin Umar and Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Prof. Abdul Mu’ti as keynote speakers. Other speakers include Dr. (Yahya Cholil Staquf (PBNU), Romo Dr. Aloys Budi Purnomo, Pr (KWI), Mayjen TNI (Purn) Wisnu Bawa Tenaya (PHDI), Dr. K.H. Marsudi Syuhud (MUI), and Rev. Jacklevyn Fritz Manuputty (PGI). International scholars such as Prof. Anna Gade (University of Wisconsin–Madison), Prof. Frans Wijsen (Radboud University), Dr. Iyad Abumoghli (UNEP), and Prof. Iim Halimatusa’diyah (UIN Jakarta) also participated as keynote speakers.
Prof. Jamhari, Rector of UIII, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration and the diversity of voices present at the event. “This wasn’t just an academic milestone—it reflected a powerful commitment to confronting one of the most urgent challenges of our time,” he said. “This conference reminded us that the climate crisis requires not only intellectual engagement, but also moral conviction and collective action.”
Representing the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jakarta, Adriaan Palm, Head of the Embassy’s Economic Department, emphasized the role of faith communities in environmental action.
“The climate crisis demands more than technological solutions—it requires spiritual wisdom and collective courage,” he said. “Faith-based organizations around the world are already taking real action: planting trees, protecting rivers, educating the next generation. These efforts are rooted in sacred values, and they must be recognized and supported.”
The conference also featured a series of thematic exhibitions, including documentary screenings, green crafts from religious communities, and a photography showcase on “Green Religion.” A total of 233 abstracts were submitted for the conference, with 102 selected through a competitive review process. Presenters came from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries.
Two Ministers’ Keynote Address
Minister of Religious Affairs Prof. Nasaruddin Umar and Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Prof. Abdul Mu’ti conveyed compelling messages during the “International Conference on Religious Environmentalism in Action: Knowledge, Movements, and Policies” held at UIII Campus in Depok, West Java on July 17, 2025.
Prof. Nasaruddin Umar, reaffirmed the importance of “eco-theology” which he mentioned as the theological view that regards the environment as sacred. He stressed that the universe is a divine manifestation that must be protected, “Life on Earth exists due to the harmonious relationship between humans and nature,” he remarked.
Prof. Nasaruddin also critiqued modern perspectives that desacralize the natural world and highlighted how patriarchal religious interpretations often justify overexploitation of the environment. He emphasized that when nature is viewed merely as a resource to be conquered rather than a sacred trust to be protected, it opens the door to destructive practices that harm both ecosystems and humanity.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. Abdul Mu’ti, emphasized that environmental issues are not just about science and policy but also about faith, education, and lifestyle. Referring to Thomas L. Friedman’s concept of a “hot, flat, and crowded” world, he pointed out the global pressure caused by overheating, overpopulation, and overconsumption. He argued that while awareness of these issues has existed for some time, there has been a lack of consistent, collective response.
Prof. Mu’ti elaborated on the real dangers of climate change, such as rising global temperatures that could melt polar ice and submerge island nations. He stressed that the crisis is not only ecological but also cognitive and cultural, driven by unsustainable consumption patterns. As such, he called for early education in environmental awareness and responsibility, including recycling initiatives and waste management in schools.
The conference aimed to reframe the human relationship with nature and religion by fostering cross-disciplinary and interfaith collaboration. It sought to promote ecological consciousness not just as a policy agenda but as a way of life. “We hope this conference will inspire tangible actions to promote environmental stewardship for the benefit of current and future generations,” said Testriono, the conference convenor.
The conference reflects the shared commitment of UIII, PPIM UIN Jakarta, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to strengthen the role of religion in addressing the climate crisis. Through continued collaboration, these institutions aim to empower faith communities, promote environmental awareness, and encourage policy frameworks that integrate spiritual values with sustainability efforts.
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia
