Klaten, March 16, 2024 – The climate crisis cannot be resolved solely through policy and scientific approaches; it must also involve religious and cultural approaches. “Environmental issues cannot be resolved solely through science; they must also involve religious leaders. Today’s environmental challenges are increasingly complex and pressing, requiring a deeper understanding among the community,” said Hening Parlan, Coordinator of GreenFaith Indonesia. She made this statement at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GreenFaith Indonesia and the Hindu Dharma College in Klaten, Central Java, on April 16, 2024.

This agreement not only marks a formal step between the two institutions, but also reflects the commitment of religious communities to play a role in addressing the current climate crisis. “It is crucial for us to involve spiritual aspects and religious values ​​in resolving today’s environmental issues,” Hening added.

Putu, the Head of the Klaten Hindu Dharma College, expressed his hopes for this collaboration. “We hope this MoU will run smoothly because protecting the earth is a shared responsibility and one of the practices of Hindu teachings,” he said. He added that this collaboration will not only benefit the environment but will also provide a platform for students and the community to actively participate in nature conservation efforts.

This Joint Agreement paves the way for the exchange of knowledge and experience between the two institutions. Students from Sekolah Tinggi Hindu Dharma Klaten will have the opportunity to actively participate in environmental programs organized by GreenFaith Indonesia, such as internships and research. GreenFaith Indonesia will also offer training programs on Climate Justice for lecturers and students.

In terms of research, this collaboration opens up opportunities for multidisciplinary studies on environmental issues relevant to the local context. The results are expected to inform policies for state institutions and educational institutions, as well as serve as a reference for concrete actions to preserve the environment.

This agreement also emphasizes the importance of community service to raise collective awareness about the importance of protecting the environment, as well as providing direct assistance in conservation efforts.

The institutional collaboration between the Hindu Dharma College in Klaten and GreenFaith Indonesia will strengthen inter-institutional networks and support for environmental conservation efforts. Through the exchange of experiences and resources, both parties will support each other in achieving their shared goals.

With the signing of this collaboration, it is hoped that a sustainable and harmonious future will become even more real. The synergy between education, religion, and the environment will benefit not only the current generation but also future generations. This is a commendable step forward in efforts to preserve nature and human spirituality.