PPIM UIN Jakarta and Greenpeace Indonesia Launch Research Findings

Jakarta —The Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) UIN Jakarta, in collaboration with Greenpeace Indonesia through the Ummah for Earth campaign, launched research findings titled "Ulama and Climate Change in Indonesia: Integrating Climate Change Issues into the Islamic Higher Education Curriculum" on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Hotel Ashley Tanah Abang.

The event was attended by Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque and Rector of PTIQ Jakarta University. The panel discussion also included Muhammad Aziz Hakim, M.H., Head of Human Resources at the Directorate of Islamic Higher Education, Directorate General of Islamic Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia; Hening Parlan S. Sos, M.M., from Muhammadiyah Green Cadre; and Ummul Hikmah, an Islamic Education Observer.

The research aims to understand the significance and potential integration of climate change issues into the Islamic higher education curriculum. “In facing increasingly complex environmental challenges, education plays a crucial role. Islamic higher education has a responsibility to educate future religious leaders to be prepared to address environmental challenges,” said Didin Syafrudin, Executive Director of PPIM UIN Jakarta, in his opening remarks.

The research utilized qualitative methods, including fourteen focus group discussions and interviews at five Islamic higher education institutions over three months. The findings highlight the important role of Islamic higher education in shaping ulama and leaders capable of educating the Muslim community about the importance of environmental sustainability.

PPIM UIN Jakarta researcher, Testriono, revealed several challenges in integrating climate change issues into Islamic higher education, such as the absence of specific courses on climate change, lack of institutionalization of Climate Change Education (CCE) at universities, low commitment of Islamic higher education leaders to CCE, and the lack of alignment of CCE with university missions and goals.

“To overcome these obstacles, we propose short-term and long-term strategies,” explained Testriono.

Greenpeace Indonesia Project Lead, Rahma Shofiana, outlined the short-term strategies, which include incorporating climate change topics into existing courses, holding climate change workshops for lecturers, developing CCE modules, and encouraging student organizations to advocate for climate action on campus.

Meanwhile, the long-term strategies involve developing specific courses on climate change, policy advocacy supporting CCE integration, engaging university leaders, and establishing Climate Change Education Centers.

“The acceleration of the climate crisis requires awareness and action from all parties, including the Muslim community. It is hoped that climate knowledge can become part of the learning modules, producing Muslim leaders who act for environmental sustainability,” concluded Rahma Shofiana.

Media Contacts:

Tati Rohayati, PPIM UIN Jakarta (0877-7816-2947)

Rahma Shofiana, Greenpeace Indonesia (0811-1461-674)

(Ken Devina/Fauziah M./Raihan Lail)