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A Green Awakening: How Indonesia’s Muslim Communities Are Leading the Charge for Sustainability

JAKARTA, Indonesia — On a busy Tuesday morning in Jakarta, a group of scholars, environmental activists, and religious leaders gathered in a conference hall at Grand Sahid Jaya. At the center of the discussion was an idea that, until recently, had been largely overlooked in global climate discourse: the role of faith in driving grassroots environmental change.

Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, is witnessing an unexpected yet deeply rooted environmental movement—one powered not by government mandates or international aid, but by local religious communities who see sustainability as a spiritual duty.

A new study by the Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta sheds light on how mosques, Islamic schools, and religious leaders across the country are turning Islamic teachings into tangible environmental action. The research, conducted under the Religious Environmentalism Actions (REACT) Project, surveyed seven provinces and 16 village-level Muslim communities, interviewing over 100 informants. The findings reveal a striking reality: where religious leaders take an active role, environmental initiatives are more likely to thrive.

Grassroots Innovations

One of the study’s lead researchers, Testriono, PhD has long been fascinated by the intersection of politics, religion, and governance. A lecturer in the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program and the Political Science Department at the Indonesian International Islamic University (ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ), Testriono holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Northern Illinois University, USA, with a specialization in Comparative Politics and Public Administration.

"We’ve seen remarkable grassroots innovations," Testriono said during his presentation in the event. "From mosque-led composting programs and reforestation projects funded through Islamic endowments to community-run ecotourism, these efforts are not only practical but deeply intertwined with faith."

Faith as an Environmental Force

The study found that three key factors distinguish successful environmental initiatives from those that struggle to gain traction. Community participation plays a crucial role, as high levels of local engagement ensure that sustainability efforts endure beyond initial enthusiasm. Religious leadership is equally important, with Islamic scholars and clerics serving as trusted figures who can inspire collective action. The presence of local change-makers—individual activists who work tirelessly behind the scenes—often determines whether a project flourishes or fades away.

Across Indonesia, these elements have transformed environmental responsibility from an abstract concept into a religious duty. In some villages, Friday sermons now include messages about sustainable farming. In others, Quranic study groups incorporate lessons on conservation. Islamic boarding schools—known as pesantren—are leading the way in organic farming and renewable energy projects.

"When Muslim communities view environmental conservation as an act of worship, they are far more likely to commit to meaningful action," Testriono noted.

For Testriono, the study is just the beginning. "We’re seeing a shift in how communities approach environmental responsibility," he said. "This is no longer just an academic discussion. It’s a movement. And it’s happening now."

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