Forestry Minister states consistent forest management is one indicator of piety

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni stated that one indicator of piety for the Indonesian nation is the country’s ability to manage forests and coexist with nature consistently, in line with humanity’s natural disposition.

“Fitrah is a state of nature, where we return to a natural position, where humans live side by side with nature, live side by side with forests,” said Juli Antoni after attending Eid al-Fitr prayers at Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, on Saturday.

He said that the moments of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 1447 H teach Muslims to live according to fitrah, which is the inclination to live well. Islam, he said, teaches about relations with Allah, the environment, and humans.

According to him, the holy month of Ramadan serves as a madrasah or place of learning to become better, and it is hoped that the results of that learning can be applied in the other 11 months.

Raja Juli Antoni performed Eid prayers at Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, on Saturday, together with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, several members of the Merah Putih Cabinet, and ambassadors from friendly countries.

On that occasion, he said that his side did not hold any griya events and encouraged his staff to spend time with their families in their hometowns.

“Mudik. This is an extraordinary tradition that has not only a spiritual connection but also an anthropological connection with the village, with the desa. It is also part of the redistribution of wealth from the city to the village,” he said.