Interfaith Leaders Hold Prayers at Gunung Padang to Call for Ecological Repentance
Jakarta (ANTARA) - A number of interfaith leaders held a joint prayer session at Gunung Padang, Cianjur, West Java, to commemorate Earth Day while calling for ecological repentance to restore awareness in preserving the natural environment from damage.
The event involved various elements, from monks, media practitioners, community organisation leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, industry figures, to the environmental community of Jakarta Cathedral Church, as a form of collective reflection on the current state of the Earth.
The General Chairman of the Indonesian Online Media Editors’ Forum, who was also the initiator of the event, Dar Edi Yoga, stated in Jakarta on Friday that the activity took place solemnly at Terrace 5 of Gunung Padang, Cianjur, West Java, on Wednesday (22/4).
“We did not come to ask, but to prostrate in gratitude and awareness. The Earth is not for exploitation without limits, but to be protected. This is a call for ecological repentance,” he said.
He emphasised that the event was not merely ceremonial, but a call from the depths of human conscience to reposition the Earth as an entity that must be protected, not just exploited for short-term interests.
Therefore, the prayer serves as an effort to ensure Indonesia is spared from disasters and upheavals.
Deputy Secretary General of the Indonesian Buddhist Community Representative, Romo Asun Gotama, highlighted the importance of integrating spiritual wisdom practices with environmental preservation actions that must be instilled in daily life.
“In Buddhist teachings, harmony with nature is part of wisdom practice. When humans live with awareness, compassion, and without greed, nature will be preserved. This prayer serves as a reminder that caring for the Earth is part of spiritual practice,” he said.
The Daily Chairman of Artha Graha Peduli (AGP), Kent Dixon, also conveyed that protecting the environment is a universal responsibility that unites all elements of the nation to ensure natural heritage remains sustainable for future generations.
CEO of PT QMB New Energy Materials, Pan Hua, affirmed that his participation embodies a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Gunung Padang was chosen as the event location because it is regarded as a serene space of civilisation, where humans are invited to return to the roots of awareness about the origin and purpose of life.
The event is hoped to serve as a reminder that protecting the Earth is not enough with just policies and technology, but also requires profound spiritual awareness.