This new movement preaching environmentalism originates in one of the largest mosques in the world, in Jakarta. But just how credible is this movement? And how effective?

Fatwas against logging, sermons about safeguarding the planet, and mosques with solar panels and water recycling systems. In Indonesia, protecting the environment is being presented as a religious duty. The model for this spiritual revolution is the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, the largest in Asia, designated as the world's first "ecological house of worship".

Now, the plan is to turn 70% of the nation's 800,000 mosques into "eco mosques." At Quran schools, future imams are being trained to deliver "green sermons." "Islamic green armies" explore the mountains of Java, teach sustainable farming practices and pray collectively for the preservation of divine creation. Senior Islamic authorities such as the Indonesian Ulema Council are even publishing green fatwas against environmental crime. Together, they're aiming for Indonesian carbon neutrality by 2060. 

But the movement also has its critics:  As well as being the largest nickel producer in the world, Indonesia is also one of the world's biggest coal-mining nations. Nature conservation groups say the new Islamic movement focuses too much on individual responsibility while remaining silent over the country's major industrial polluters. Some religious leaders are even involved in controversial mining projects. 

Just as everywhere else in the world, Indonesia is a place of contradictions and conflicting interests. But despite that, the green Islam movement continues to pick up pace and spread its message.

 

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