Young Generations Interfaith And Disabled To Unite In Mobilizing Climate Justice

Pura Adhitya Jaya Rawamangun is one of the locations for the Walk for Peace and Climate Justice activities carried out by Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, the Central Muhammadiyah Disabled Association (HIDIMU), and Green Fate Indonesia. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Concern for the environment is increasingly becoming an urgent issue amid the growing global climate crisis.

The awareness that the earth is a common home has prompted many groups to move, including involving interfaith communities and people with disabilities in real action for climate justice and peace.

As part of this spirit, Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, Central Muhammadiyah Disabled Association (HIDIMU), and GreenFaith held a walking action entitled "Walk for Peace and Climate Justice", following a historic route in Jakarta.

This activity is a peaceful campaign that emphasizes that climate justice is a universal right, including for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.

"Peace will not be achieved without evenly felt social and environmental justice, especially for people with disabilities and other vulnerable communities," said Hening Parlan, Director of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, as quoted by ANTARA.

Around 50 participants were involved in this action. They started their journey from the Jakarta Cathedral Church, passed the Silaturahim Tunnel, then stopped at the Istiqlal Mosque, and ended up at Pura Adhitya Jaya Rawamangun.

The three places of worship symbolize diversity and harmony between religious believers, as well as become a symbol that the struggle to face the climate crisis requires cross-confidence unity.

An important moment in this activity is the reading of the Declaration of Young People Crossing Faith for Climate Justice and Gender inside the Silaturahim Tunnel of the iconic space connecting two large houses of worship in Jakarta.

The contents of the declaration include four main commitments:

Inclusive ecological transformation, through the development of green space, transition to clean energy, and community-based waste management.

Inclusive and gender-fair leadership in climate movement, by encouraging equal participation and creating a safe space.

Strengthening solidarity between religious believers in responding to the climate crisis, including establishing a network of environmentally friendly houses of worship.

Protection of vulnerable groups, especially disabled, in order to have resilience in the face of the impact of climate change.

This declaration is a symbol of the commitment that climate justice must be built on the basis of tolerance and social justice. No one should be left behind, including young people, women, and people with disabilities," said Hening.

He also added that this activity was not just a symbolic action, but a first step in building a just and sustainable future.

"This is a jubile, year of hope, which we must fill together through concrete actions," he concluded.