Interfaith Youth and Persons with Disabilities Walk for Climate Justice in Jakarta

HUKAMANEWS GreenFaith - An alliance of interfaith youth, persons with disabilities, and environmental advocates marched through Jakarta on Saturday in a symbolic call for peace and climate justice, reaffirming the principle that no one should be left behind in addressing the climate crisis.

Organized by Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, the Central Board of Himpunan Difabel Muhammadiyah (HIDIMU), and GreenFaith Indonesia, the “Walk for Peace and Climate Justice” gathered around 50 participants who traced a historic interfaith route in the capital.

The peaceful procession began at the Jakarta Cathedral, passed through the Tunnel of Friendship, continued to Istiqlal Mosque, and ended at the Adhitya Jaya Hindu Temple in Rawamangun. Each house of worship underscored the message that religious harmony and ecological sustainability must go hand in hand, particularly in a time of global environmental upheaval.

“Peace will only be achieved when environmental and social justice are felt by everyone, including persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups,” said Hening Parlan, Director of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah and National Coordinator of GreenFaith Indonesia.

Several faith leaders voiced solidarity throughout the event. Father Macarius Maharsono Probho, SJ, emphasized the need to nurture interfaith cooperation as a manifestation of Pancasila.

“Small acts like this must be cultivated so that the ideals of a just and civilized humanity do not remain empty slogans, but instead become the heartbeat of daily life,” he stated.

Fajri Hidayatullah, Chairperson of HIDIMU, highlighted that climate justice must include persons with disabilities as active agents of change.

“Justice is not only for the so-called ‘normal.’ Our friends with disabilities must be part of the solution,” he affirmed.

Faith institutions also shared their tangible contributions to climate action. Susiana Suwandi, Public Relations Officer at the Jakarta Cathedral, explained that the church now sources 30 percent of its energy from solar power, becoming the first cathedral in Indonesia to do so. It has also prioritized accessibility for people with disabilities.

“This is our faith expressed in solidarity with the Earth,” she said.

At Istiqlal Mosque, which since 2021 has implemented solar panels, water recycling, and eco-friendly building materials, Yusuf Fauzi, Administrator for Public Relations and Partnerships, said, “We envision mosques as green houses of worship.”

Similarly, at Adhitya Jaya Hindu Temple in Rawamangun, temple representative Putu Maharta stressed the importance of maintaining the national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).

“Diversity is a blessing, but unity is our strength. Upholding these values will keep Indonesia resilient,” he added.

One of the central moments of the event was the reading of the Interfaith Youth Declaration for Climate and Gender Justice inside the Tunnel of Friendship — a symbolic landmark connecting Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral.