Interfaith Prayer at Gunung Padang, Call to Commemorate Earth Day
Amid increasing threats of natural disasters and social upheavals, a spiritual initiative was held in the Gunung Padang area, West Java, on Wednesday (22/4/2026), coinciding with the Earth Day commemoration.
The prayer was centred at Terrace 5 of Gunung Padang, a serene space rich in meaning for reflection and awareness, involving monks, media figures, and leaders from various community organisations.
Dar Edi Yoga, Chairman of the Indonesian Online Media Editors’ Forum and Treasurer of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) DKI Jaya, stressed that this event is not merely a ceremony but an inner call to restore human awareness of the Earth and life.
“We are not here to ask, but to prostrate in gratitude and awareness. The Earth is not to be exploited endlessly, but to be protected. This is a call for ecological repentance,” he said.
He assessed that environmental damage leading to disasters is not solely a technical issue but also reflects humanity’s treatment of the Earth, which is increasingly distant from values of balance.
“If humans forget how to respect the Earth, nature will remind us in its own way. This prayer is an effort for Indonesia to become a friendly nation again, free from disasters and upheavals,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Romo Asun Gotama, Deputy Secretary General of WALUBI, emphasised the importance of the spiritual dimension in preserving nature. According to him, ecological awareness cannot be separated from human inner awareness.
“In Buddhist teachings, harmony with nature is part of the practice of wisdom. 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.
Kent Dixon, Daily Chairman of Artha Graha Peduli (AGP), added that concern for the environment is a shared responsibility across faiths and national elements.
“Concern for the environment is a universal responsibility that unites us all. With the spirit of interfaith cooperation, Artha Graha Peduli, one heart to care, invites all national elements to make Earth Day a momentum to strengthen harmony, maintain balance between humans, the Creator, and Mother Earth, and ensure that natural heritage remains sustainable for future generations,” he said.
Gunung Padang was chosen as the event location because it is regarded as a silent space of civilisation, where humans are invited to return to the roots of awareness about the origin and purpose of life.
This event is hoped to serve as a reminder that protecting the Earth requires not only policies and technology but also deep spiritual awareness.
This interfaith prayer is the first to be held at Gunung Padang, supported by the WALUBI Central Board, Artha Graha Peduli, and participation from PT QMB New Energy Materials.
In his statement, Pan Hua, CEO of PT QMB New Energy Materials, affirmed that their participation is a manifestation of commitment to environmental sustainability. As a supplier of main battery materials for electric vehicles, the company plays a role in supporting the global green energy transition to minimise ecological impacts.
“Through this joint prayer and concrete actions, we affirm our dedication not only to driving industry but also to caring for the Earth as a shared heritage for future generations,” he said.