MUI Reaffirms Commitment to Environmental Stewardship Amid Criticism

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has strived to hold the VIII Congress of Indonesian Muslims (KUII). The event received extensive media coverage, both domestic and international, including supportive reporting and constructive criticism. The MUI felt it necessary to provide clarification regarding an article by Toto Izul Fatah, Executive Director of Citra Komunikasi LSI Denny JA, who had paid attention to the congress. He noted that this large and strategic forum, organised by the MUI, involved 87 Islamic organisations and 500 participants from various mass organisations across Indonesia, under the theme: ‘United Ummah, Sovereign Nation, Strong State.’

However, MUI refuted Toto Izul Fatah’s view questioning whether the congress discussed environmental issues. He asked: first, what is the position of nature and the environment in the major discourse of the Muslim community? Second, can a nation be called sovereign if its forests continue to shrink, rivers are polluted, air quality worsens, seas are damaged, water sources disappear, and the people increasingly become victims of floods, landslides, droughts, forest fires, and extreme weather? Third, can a state be called strong if every year the government’s budget, energy, and attention are continuously drained to handle disasters, most of which are caused by human error in managing nature?

According to Amirsyah, the VIII Congress of Indonesian Muslims discussed not only politics, economy, law, education, food, and geopolitics but also the glorification of the environment. This is part of a serious concern for the environmental crisis as highlighted by Toto Izul Fatah. MUI has committed to human safety, social justice, food security, health, the economy, and even state sovereignty. Amirsyah also appreciated the attention various parties gave to the VIII KUII, including Titok’s criticisms and suggestions on environmental issues.

Firstly, disaster data shows that Indonesia is facing a serious ecological threat. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded 3,472 disaster events throughout 2024. Secondly, of that number, 3,449 were hydrometeorological disasters, such as floods, extreme weather, landslides, droughts, and forest fires. This means almost all disasters that occurred were related to weather, water, climate, and environmental conditions. BNPB even noted that during the year, an average of about 10 disasters occurred daily, affecting approximately 88 percent of Indonesia’s territory. Thirdly, the Indonesian Disaster Information data (2025) recorded at least 1,768 reported events. In December 2025 alone, BNPB recorded 154 floods, 73 extreme weather events, 15 landslides, and two tidal wave and abrasion events.

These data have certainly become a serious concern for MUI through its LPLH SDA MUI. The Institute for the Glorification of the Environment and Natural Resources of the Indonesian Ulema Council is a body under the MUI established following the VIII MUI National Conference in July 2010. This institute aims to raise awareness among Muslims about the importance of nature conservation and environmental management based on Islamic teachings.