Director-General for Islamic Education at the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs: Eco-theology must become a culture in madrasahs
Bengkulu (ANTARA) – Amin Suyitno, Director-General of Islamic Education at the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, said that eco-theology must become a culture in the madrasah environment through cultivating habits of preserving the environment as part of the implementation of religious values.
“Eco-theology must be a culture in madrasahs. Caring for the environment is part of implementing religious values and a form of gratitude for Allah”s creation. Therefore, we want madrasah students not only to excel academically but also to show concern for the preservation of nature,” said Amin Suyitno during the Kemenag ASRI activity at MAN 2 Kota Bengkulu on Saturday.
The statement was made as Amin led an action releasing hundreds of birds and planting trees, which were part of the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ eco-theology programme implemented in madrasah environments.
According to Amin, the programme should not stop at ceremonial activities, but must become a sustainable movement that builds students’ character to foster ecological awareness from an early age.
He said that madrasahs have a strategic position in instilling values of environmental concern because character education can be built through daily habituation, ranging from keeping the premises clean to caring for plants and the surrounding ecosystem.
Amin said the greening movement, tree planting, and protection of wildlife must continue to be promoted across all madrasah education units as a form of shared responsibility in maintaining the sustainability of the living environment.
“With the utterance of Bismillah, the release of the birds marks the official start of the Kemenag ASRI action,” he said.
The activity was attended by students of MAN 2 Kota Bengkulu, civil servants at the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bengkulu Province, and several officials and leaders of religious higher education institutions.
Head of MAN 2 Kota Bengkulu, Rahayu, expressed appreciation for the trust placed in her school as the host of this Kemenag ASRI action.
“Thank you to the Director-General of Pendis, the Special Staff of the Menteri Agama, and the Head of the Regional Office of Kemenag who have entrusted MAN 2 Kota Bengkulu as the host in this Kemenag ASRI action,” said Rahayu.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Bengkulu Provincial Office of Kemenag, Saefuddin, said the eco-theology programme aligns with the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ commitment to sustainable development and the strengthening of religious moderation based on care for the environment.
“Madrasahs in Bengkulu are ready to be pioneers of the environmental care movement. We hope that this programme can continue to be implemented sustainably and become an inspiration for all education units,” said Saefuddin.