After the recent National Meeting of Qur’an Scholars (Multaqo Nasional Ulama al-Qur’an 2024), the Association of Art-Reciters and Memorizers of the Qur’an of Nahdlatul Ulama (Jam'iyyatul Qurra' wal-Huffazh Nahdlatul Ulama (JQH-NU)) issued declarations including, “To strengthen the role and position of ulama, kyai, and the Qur'an experts as the people's umbrella in facing global challenges and defending the Republic of Indonesia,” and “Peace and justice are noble visions taught in the Qur'an and the holy books of all religions. Wars on Earth, including those between Israel and Hamas, Russia and Ukraine, the conflict in Kashmir, and others around the world, must be stopped. JQH-NU respectfully requests the leaders of countries and organizations involved in conflicts to end the wars and join us in striving to restore world peace.”
One war that JQH-NU will continue to wage is the war against all activities and policies that worsen global climate change. At the Multaqo meeting, JQH-NU Chairman Drs. KH. Saifullah Ma’shum, M.Si., said that, “As climate change is causing major disasters and diseases affecting us all, JQH-NU must be at the forefront of promoting the teachings of the Qur'an to protect nature, the gift of Allah for humanity, in the face of climate change caused by human activity. For the betterment of human life and the world in which we live, Allah's guidance in the form of the Qur'an needs to be preserved and applied.”
In parallel with the 2023 fatwa of the Indonesian Muslim Clerics Council (MUI) number 86 issued against climate change, JQH-NU emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation from an Islamic perspective. The fatwa declares that actions contributing to environmental destruction, such as deforestation, pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources, are haram (forbidden), and urges the Muslim community to adopt sustainable practices and take an active role in mitigating climate change.
With government support, JQH-NU intends to generate revenue for various community, environmental, and religious programs. This move is also part of Nahdlatul Ulama’s broader strategy to involve diverse societal groups in the country's economic development, leveraging their networks and influence to drive growth and improve welfare at the grassroots level.
In line with JQH-NU’s efforts to counter climate change and the human activities that are causing it, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has launched a solar panel project to provide renewable energy to several Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) across the country. JQH-NU will collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and international organizations, to secure funding and technical support to cover the initial cost of installing the solar panels. Initial installations will be carried out at selected schools to demonstrate the viability and benefits of solar energy. Successful pilot projects will then pave the way for a larger rollout covering many thousands of pesantrens nationwide.
JQH-NU’s solar project collaboration represents one of several steps it is taking toward a greener future for Indonesia, leveraging the influential role of religious institutions to drive environmental change and promote sustainable development. The project will empower local communities by providing them with the knowledge and tools to harness renewable energy. It will support Indonesia's national targets for renewable energy adoption and carbon emissions reduction, and serve as a model for other religious and educational institutions in Indonesia and beyond to adopt sustainable practices.
JQH-NU’s efforts are rooted in the Islamic principles of stewardship of the Earth and the well-being of all its inhabitants, aiming to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society. JQH-NU supports national development in alignment with the principles of Qur'anic teachings. We invite all parties to join hands, strengthen our unity and cohesion, and continue the struggle for national development for the integrity and glory of the Republic of Indonesia.
Comments