Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The environmental crisis is increasingly viewed not only as an ecological issue but also as a humanitarian crisis that threatens health, welfare, and the future of coming generations. Recognizing this urgency, the Ministry of Environment (KLH) has invited religious, traditional, and community leaders to unite in fostering collective awareness to protect the planet.
During an interfaith dialogue titled “Collaboration of Religious and Community Leaders in Promoting Environmental Awareness” held in Jakarta on Monday (September 22, 2025), Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasized that the government cannot act alone.
“The leadership and moral influence of religious and community figures are vital to ensuring that environmental protection efforts have a broad impact,” Hanif stated.
The forum brought together religious leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to strengthen moral leadership and design concrete actions to address the climate crisis. Hanif highlighted pressing challenges: the 2024 Environmental Quality Index recorded a score of 73.53 (“fairly good”), yet 150 regions remained below 65. Of the 56.63 million tons of annual waste, about 34.54 million tons are unmanaged, while deforestation in 2023 reached 175,000 hectares.
Deputy Minister of Environment Diaz Hendropriyono added that a survey by Purpose and YouGov ranked religious leaders as the most influential figures in mobilizing environmental action.
“The climate crisis is not merely a natural phenomenon but a consequence of human actions. Interfaith collaboration is key,” Diaz asserted.
KLH targets 100 percent waste management by 2029 through a circular economy, including reducing single-use plastics, promoting waste banks, and expanding renewable energy use. Interfaith leaders voiced their full support. Din Syamsuddin called the gathering a significant momentum, while Reverend Johan Kristantara urged churches to become pioneers of ecological concern.
Father Ferry Sutrisna reminded participants of Laudato Si teachings on the Earth as a common home, while Prof. Philip Kuntjoro promoted the Eco Vihara program. Hindu leader Astoro Chandra Dana pointed to the Nyepi tradition as a practical example of energy saving and reverence for nature.
Prof. Bagus Muljadi stressed that the ecological crisis is a moral crisis rooted in a paradigm of exploitation. He called on all stakeholders to develop a new environmental ethic grounded in science, history, and local wisdom.
The forum also produced plans to establish a nationwide network of religious and community leaders dedicated to environmental protection. This network is expected to drive behavioral change campaigns, strengthen collective action, and foster cross-sector collaboration through the pentahelix approach: government, business, academia, society, and media.
With interfaith collaboration and community support, the Ministry is optimistic that this movement will become a tangible moral force to curb the climate crisis and ensure planetary sustainability. (*)
