UI GreenMetric and the Ministry of Religious Affairs Discuss Ecotheology for Greener Campuses
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – How can religious values inspire meaningful environmental action on university campuses? This question guided the UI GreenMetric Instagram Live Discussion 2026, titled “Ecotheology: From Values to Action for a Green Campus”, held on Friday, 6 November 2026.
The discussion brought together representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang (UIN Malang), and Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara (UIN Sumatera Utara). The forum provided an opportunity to exchange institutional perspectives and experiences on translating religious values into environmental awareness, sustainable policies and everyday practices.
Ecotheology explores the relationship between religious values, humanity and the natural environment. It encourages people to understand environmental protection not merely as a technical or policy issue, but also as a moral, social and spiritual responsibility. For universities, this perspective offers an opportunity to integrate environmental awareness into education, research, community engagement and institutional governance.
Representing the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Eko Sulistiyanto, First Expert Auditor at the Ministry's Inspectorate General, highlighted the importance of embedding ecotheology into institutional policies and organisational practices. He explained that ecotheology is one of the Ministry's Asta Protas (Eight Priority Programmes) for 2025–2029, supported by Minister of Religious Affairs Decree No. 1862 of 2025 on Support for the Implementation of Ecotheology and Decree No. 606 of 2026 on Support for Strengthening Ecotheology among Ministry of Religious Affairs Civil Servants.
“Ecotheology is not merely a thematic activity; it has become part of a broader transformation agenda that needs to be integrated into organisational programmes and performance,” Eko explained.
He also emphasised the role of the Inspectorate General in ensuring that policies are implemented in accordance with regulations and deliver meaningful outcomes. Through internal oversight, risk management and consultation, the Inspectorate General supports effective programme planning, implementation and budget accountability.
In 2026, the Inspectorate General also provided consultation and assistance on ecotheology implementation at three state religious universities: Universitas Hindu Negeri Denpasar, IAHN Mpu Kuturan and UIN Palangka Raya. Eko further noted that 30 state religious universities participated in the UI GreenMetric Sustainable University Rankings 2026, reflecting the growing engagement of religious higher education institutions in campus sustainability.
From the university perspective, Prof. Dr. Hj. Ilfi Nur Diana, Rector of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, highlighted the importance of incorporating ecotheology into institutional planning, from the university's vision and mission to its strategic plans and measurable performance indicators.
“Environmental issues cannot be addressed sporadically; they must be addressed by design. Strategic plans, vision, mission and performance indicators must all be measurable,” she explained.
At UIN Malang, this commitment is reflected in its vision of becoming a Smart and Green Islamic University. Environmental values are integrated into academic programmes, research, campus initiatives and community engagement. Among its initiatives are the integration of ecotheology into the curricula of all study programmes, the development of a 20-hectare campus forest, the use of solar panels, and support for environmentally friendly madrasahs and Islamic boarding schools.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. H. M. Idris, Professor at UIN Sumatera Utara, shared his university's efforts to promote environmental awareness through greening programmes, tree planting and the development of a green campus. Ecological issues are also incorporated into teaching and course planning. Currently, approximately 10 per cent of courses at UIN Sumatera Utara are related to ecological issues.
He emphasised the importance of making ecotheology a foundation for connecting spiritual values with practical environmental programmes, ensuring that sustainability becomes part of the university's academic and institutional culture.
The discussion highlighted a shared understanding that religious values can serve as a strong foundation for environmental responsibility. However, meaningful implementation requires more than awareness. It calls for measurable institutional commitments, collaboration across university units, active participation from students and staff, and programmes that respond to the needs of surrounding communities.
Through this discussion, UI GreenMetric continues to facilitate dialogue and knowledge exchange among universities, government institutions and other stakeholders. By connecting faith, knowledge and action, ecotheology can contribute to a more holistic approach to campus sustainability—one in which caring for the environment becomes an integral part of education, institutional responsibility and everyday life.
Together, Advancing Sustainability for Earth.
Written by Iskandar Hamonangan – Communications Coordinator, UI GreenMetric.