Raja Juli Highlights Islamic Teachings on Protecting the Environment

PSI Secretary-General and Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni has highlighted Islamic injunctions to protect the environment and forests. He stated that damaging nature and the forests runs counter to religious values. ‘Allah forbids us from disturbing the balance of our natural world, from destroying our forests,’ he said, citing remarks on Sunday, 8 March. He added that Allah SWT created the Earth with all its ecosystems, and humans are obliged to safeguard it.

Raja Juli said every policy at the Ministry of Forestry, which he leads, must contribute to efforts to preserve nature. He argued that his role as Minister of Forestry is not merely a worldly matter, but also a moral and religious endeavour in protecting the environment.

He also disclosed that one of his entrusted tasks is to improve the governance of forestry in Indonesia. On another occasion, Raja Juli said he would implement the principle of eco-theology in national policy and improve the system within the Ministry of Forestry. He pledged to strive to prevent floods and landslides that have hit several areas in Sumatra from occurring again.

Raja Juli said that Islam has a strong footing in responding to environmental issues. He cited numerous verses from the Qur’an and hadith that oblige Muslims to safeguard the natural world. ‘Allah says, Wa la tufsidu fil-ard, do not cause corruption on the earth after it has been made good; do not litter, deforest, or pollute the environment after Allah has created it well,’ he said.