TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar expressed his pleasure with the shared vision presented by the central board of the Batak Protestant Church (HKBP) after a 70-minute discussion in the VVIP room of Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, just before evening prayers.
According to Nasaruddin, HKBP's vision to stop the ongoing environmental damage in Indonesia aligns with the goals of both the Istiqlal Mosque Foundation and the Religious Affairs Ministry. He strongly supports protecting the environment through a spiritual approach.
"Without a healthy environment, it's impossible for humans to have healthy minds, souls, and bodies," Nasaruddin said in the VVIP room of the Istiqlal Mosque on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
He explained that the spiritual approach means using religious teachings to prevent environmental harm. For example, cutting down too many trees, which can cause sudden floods, is seen as a sinful act.
Nasaruddin noted that natural disasters caused by environmental damage harm not only humans but also other living creatures. Moreover, he added that all religions teach humans to love all living beings.
"Hopefully, this shared vision can help maintain and improve the ecosystem, as is our religious duty," said the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque.
During the same event, the HKBP Ephorus, Reverend Victor Tinambunan, stated that they continue their efforts to protect the environment using religious methods.
For instance, they have asked for the closure of the pulp factory owned by PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL) in Toba Regency, North Sumatra. They argue that PT TPL's presence has caused various social and environmental problems, leading to disasters.
He mentioned that these disasters have happened repeatedly, such as the sudden floods in the tourist city of Parapat, Simalungun Regency. Previously, that area had never experienced such floods, causing much suffering to the local people.
"North Sumatra, especially the Tapanuli Raya area, is currently in a very worrying condition. Therefore, we call on the government to share our vision, a vision to save the environment," Victor stated.
Furthermore, he continued, HKBP also asked the government to study why the horticulture food estate program failed in Ria-Ria Village, Humbang Hasudutan, before expanding land for the food supply program in Pakpak Bharat, North Tapanuli.
According to Victor, the government's plan to increase the land area by 15,000 hectares must be based on scientific studies by experts and involve the local community.
"Don't let the expansion of land area lead to forest destruction, which will bring suffering to the people," emphasized the highest leader of the HKBP church.
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