Indonesia to Mainstream Ecotheology, Social Harmony in National Development Policies
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar on Friday announced that Indonesia will strengthen ecotheology and social harmony as foundational pillars of national development, emphasizing that both concepts will be integrated across the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ public policies.
Speaking at the launch of three ministry-published books — Ecotheology, Roadmap of Religious Moderation, and Trilogy of Harmony — produced by the Agency for Religious Moderation and Human Resource Development, the minister underlined the urgent need to elevate environmental and social values in the country’s development agenda.
Umar explained that ecotheology aims to cultivate global awareness regarding environmental care and preservation, stressing that healthier ecosystems are essential for safeguarding human well-being. He added that social harmony is a prerequisite for meaningful national progress, noting that development loses its value in the absence of cohesion among communities.
He described ecotheology and social harmony as interconnected pillars of the ministry’s mission, calling on citizens to preserve the unity and cooperation that have long strengthened Indonesian society. “Harmony would be incomplete without a healthy environment, and environmental well-being would be insufficient without social harmony,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the government’s plan to reinforce these values through a new Curriculum of Love, a policy initiative designed to promote constructive, productive, and unifying behaviour. He reminded the public that Indonesia’s rich cultural, religious, and natural heritage must be respected, preserved, and enjoyed responsibly.
Umar noted that the principles of ecotheology and the Curriculum of Love will be incorporated into educational programmes from kindergarten to university level. He further revealed that the initiatives have drawn international attention. During a recent meeting at the Vatican, religious leaders acknowledged the growing urgency of framing environmental protection as a global humanitarian concern.
According to the minister, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for humanity to prioritize environmental stewardship, while recent United Nations statements have similarly underscored the importance of integrating religious discourse into global ecological efforts.
