Researcher at PPIM UIN Jakarta: Indonesians are increasingly concerned about the environment, but real action is needed

PPIM Building, UIN News Online - UIN Jakarta's Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) held the 48th Seminar Series "Maybe the Day After Tomorrow or Later: People Care More about the Environment" on Tuesday (6/8/2024). This seminar is to see the extent to which Indonesian society responds to the rate of climate change and explain the results of the first fragmentation research of the national survey on religion and the environment.

The results of a national survey on religion and the environment conducted by PPIM UIN Jakarta show an increase in Indonesian people's awareness of environmental issues. This survey is an important source of data to see the extent to which Indonesians respond to climate change.

PPIM UIN Jakarta Researcher, Endi Aulia Garadian, explained that the results of their survey show that almost 80% of Indonesians already understand the issue of climate change. Furthermore, Indonesians also agree that climate change is caused by human activities.

"Environmental issues are the fourth concern of Indonesians after crime, health, and corruption, followed by radicalism and terrorism. Waste and climate change are prioritized environment-related issues for the public," Endi said.

PEA Manager of Greenpeace Indonesia, Khalisah Khalid, highly appreciates the survey results of PPIM UIN Jakarta researchers. According to her, this data provides an overview and assessment of the Indonesian people on environmental issues and climate change which is an important capital for environmental organizations such as Greenpeace to expand the movement in addressing environmental problems.

"This is the social capital we have to expand climate change issues and then strengthen it with climate actions," said Khalisah.

However, Khalisah highlighted that Indonesians still consider environmental damage as an individual responsibility. Therefore, she recommended the need for campaigns to transform collective awareness of environmental issues into public awareness, as well as influence or change the policies and behavior of other actors such as corporations.

"One of the good things about the PPIM survey is that in addition to providing an overview, it also provides a reflection on how the issue of environmental change really needs actions and movements that can change the economic and political system," Khalisah concluded.

This event is expected to be a starting point for Indonesia's young generation to become a driving force for the improvement of a future Indonesia that cares more about the environment.

(Shely Nurloka/Fauziah M./Dzihan Aufa Kilmi F.)