Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Ministry of Religious Affairs has launched the “One Million Matoa Trees Planting Movement” to commemorate Earth Day on April 22, 2025. The movement is centered at the campus of the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) in Cimanggis, Depok, West Java Province, and is being carried out simultaneously by civil servants of the Ministry of Religious Affairs across Indonesia.
“We are carrying out this movement with the big family of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and interfaith leaders to set an example in environmental conservation,” said Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar in Cimanggis, Depok, on Tuesday (April 22, 2025).
“This joint movement with the community is a real example and a best practice in environmental conservation amid the global climate crisis,” he added.
The One Million Matoa Trees Planting Movement involves 4,085 public madrasahs and 714 private madrasahs that have received the Adiwiyata environmental award, as well as all work units of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, including the Offices of Religious Affairs (KUA). In the first phase, around 50,000 trees were planted by madrasah communities and Ministry work units in their respective regions.
This movement is part of the implementation of one of Minister Nasaruddin Umar’s eight priority programs (known as asta protas), specifically the Ecotheology Program. The aim is to raise ecological awareness based on religious values, create a greener environment, and inspire religious communities to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts.
The Ecotheology Movement also involves inter-ministerial cooperation, including with the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Forestry, for the provision of tree seedlings. It also receives support from local governments and farmer groups for on-the-ground implementation of the matoa planting.
Matoa was chosen because it is a tropical tree native to eastern Indonesia. Its fruit is a cross between rambutan and longan, with a unique aroma and distinctive taste. The fruit is also favored by birds and grows easily in various regions. Its wood is commonly used for furniture, while the leaves are used for medicinal purposes.
