Islamic Climate Movement

In 2021, our national survey found that only 23% of Indonesians believe humans are mainly responsible for climate change, and just 21% link fossil fuel extraction to environmental harm. Meanwhile, government commitment to renewables wavered. With ~225M Muslims, Indonesia holds vast cultural, economic, and political influence. Yet Islamic leaders—among the most trusted messengers—lacked a shared climate advocacy platform. We saw a strategic opportunity to mobilize them to drive climate action.

The study found Indonesians eager for climate action, with religious leaders as some of the most trusted messengers. Through stakeholder mapping, landscape analyses, social listening, FGDs, and co-creation workshops with religious leaders, youth, and communities, we built a coordinated Islamic climate movement strategy. With NU and Muhammadiyah, we developed seven directives—ranging from using Islamic giving for climate finance to countering disinformation—to mobilise Muslims and influence policy.

Our creative strategy blends faith-based climate messaging with art and culture to simplify complex narratives and spark action. Through community-led initiatives, mobile exhibitions, and immersive experiences, we uplift local stories. By leveraging Ramadan and convening artists from all over Indonesia for murals, music, and digital works, we empower communities and foster shared responsibility for a sustainable future.

Under MOSAIC, a hub for Islamic leaders driving climate justice, we have implemented a series of initiatives that combine faith-based leadership with climate action. Through Fiqh on Just Energy Transition, we disseminated an Islamic perspective on the Just Energy Transition to 40 clerics. The BHI Capacity Building Programme trained 60 clerics and youth, leading to the incubation of 26 grassroots climate projects. Sedekah Energi supported the community-led solarisation of six mosques. With Forest Waqf, we promoted the use of Islamic endowments to combat deforestation. The Pilah Pilih Campaign, led by youth, secured climate commitments from political candidates. Finally, the Social Content Hub mobilised Muslim communities for climate action, reaching over 74.5 million people through strategic content and outreach.

We facilitated climate commitments through a national declaration endorsed by the Vice President, alongside election pledges from all three presidential candidates and six gubernatorial candidates. Islamic philanthropy was institutionalised for climate financing via official government platforms, strategic partnerships, and individual and corporate contributions. Community-led solarisation projects were completed in six mosques. Through the waqf model, 58 hectares of forest were protected for long-term conservation. Supportive narratives around the Just Energy Transition were amplified, reaching over 74.5 million Muslims and helping to elevate understanding while countering mis- and disinformation.