Religious Environmentalism Actions: PPIM UIN Jakarta Reveals Key Strategies to Optimize the Innovation of the Muslim Community
Jakarta, UIN Online News - In response to climate change, Center for Islamic Studies and Society (PPIM) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta unveiled its recent study results which demonstrate how Islamic based innovations handled by Indonesian Muslim communities can significantly contribute to environmental conservation.
The research focus of PPIM UIN Jakarta, as part of the REACT (Religious Environmentalism Actions) initiative, is to identify the determinants of successful environmental innovations and advocate for religion-based environmental practices, with an emphasis on Islam. The study was executed throughout diverse Muslim communities in seven provinces by encompassing 16 Muslim communities at the village level (103 informants were involved), conducting in-depth interviews and field observations, and collecting document analysis for data collection.
Dr. Testriono, the Coordinator of Environmental Innovation study for Indonesian Muslims, said that the study started with the primary concerns of "Why do some groups succeed in adopting environmental innovations while others fail?". The PPIM UIN Jakarta study identified three primary characteristics that determine the effectiveness of community-based green solutions, including: 1) Active participation of citizens in environmental initiatives; 2) Involvement of religious institutions, including religious leaders and Islamic groups; and 3) The influence of local initiators in boosting social transformation.
During the surveys of several Muslim communities, which provide ecological advantages and promote environmental consciousness for them, the environmental innovations include community-oriented waste management, water and forest conservation, and sustainable farming methodologies.
The study further revealed that local groups has distinct methods of addressing environmental concerns. Testriono said during the study unveiling at Grand Sahid Jaya, Jakarta, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, that they discovered simple but impactful innovations implemented collaboratively, including: the conversion of organic waste into compost, the use of endowments for environmental enhancement, and the management of ecotourism centered on mosques.
This study defines Green Islam as a strategy that integrates Islamic ideals with environmental initiatives. Religion serves as both a source of spiritual inspiration and a foundation for legitimizing community-oriented environmental initiatives. By utilizing Islamic narratives, the influence of academics, and religious organizations, religious institutions are expected to foster environmental innovation at the tiniest level.
In conclusion, "When the Muslim community recognizes that environmental protection is integral to worship and ethical duty, they are more inclined to engage in meaningful actions." he concluded.
The Importance of Islamic Leadership for the Environmental Movement
Dr. Didin Syafruddin, Director of PPIM UIN Jakarta, underscored that Islamic teachings provide solid principles to preserve ecological equilibrium and important leadership to the Muslim community whenever they have to face environmental issues.
"Islam advocates for equilibrium and accountability in relation to nature. Unfortunately, in some instances, environmental consciousness is still seen as a secular concern, rather than an integral aspect of a Muslim's ethical duty. This study demonstrates that the integration of religious beliefs into environmental efforts enhances their effect and sustainability," he stated.
Furthermore, he emphasized the significance of intellectuals and religious organizations in advancing environmental initiatives. "When sustainability messages are communicated from the very people of the mosque, the surrounding community will begin to implement them in their daily lives," he added.
Key Strategies to Optimize the Innovation of the Muslim Community
To ensure the ongoing development of community-based environmental innovations among Muslims, PPIM UIN Jakarta proposes various strategic measures:
- Encouraging the capabilities of local initiators, such as environmental activists, youth, women, and religious counselors, via environmental innovation training. The Ministry of Environment may facilitate the empowerment of local communities. In addition, the Ministry of Religious Affairs may extend the influence of religious counselors in environmental advocacy.
- Promoting the environmental innovations of the Muslim community to a broader audience. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), via the Directorate General of Social Forestry and Environmental Partnerships (PSKL), aims to organize a community-oriented environmental innovation festival to showcase exemplary practices from Muslim villages as a source of inspiration for other areas.
- Employing zakat and waqf resources to facilitate sustainable environmental initiatives. The Directorate of Zakat and Waqf under the Ministry of Religious Affairs may formulate policies to allocate zakat and wakaf funding for environmental conservation and sustainable development initiatives.
The research and conference was conducted on Tuesday (11/2/2025), in Grand Sahid Jaya, Jakarta, with the participation of professionals and stakeholders. Numerous specialists were in attendance, including Andhyta F. Utami (CEO of Think Policy Indonesia), Soeharko (Professor of Sociology at Gadjah Mada University), and Hening Parlan (Director of GreenFaith Indonesia).
(Aidha A.S./Hanif/ZM/Muhamad Arifin Ilham)