Minister Pratikno: UIII, a Global Project for Inclusive Islam and Environmental Stewardship
Contributor:
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Achmad Jatnika
Photo:
Perspectives
Share This :
Depok, April 22, 2025 — Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) stood at the forefront of a nationwide environmental initiative as it hosted the official launch of the One Million Matoa Trees National Movement, held simultaneously across Indonesia in commemoration of Earth Day 2025. The initiative is a flagship program of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, as part of its national eco-theology agenda that integrates religious values with environmental stewardship.
In his speech, Prof. Pratikno reaffirmed the unique identity and mission of UIII, tracing its roots to a 2016 Presidential Decree initiated from intergovernmental discussions. “UIII is not merely another Islamic university,” he stated. “It is a global project, a reflection of Indonesia’s contribution to a peaceful, tolerant, and inclusive Islam that resonates beyond its borders.”
He emphasized that UIII is meant to stand apart from traditional Islamic universities, not as a replacement, but as an international platform to disseminate Indonesian Islamic thought, particularly through academic publications and leadership development.
“Indonesia once had tafsir books that were widely read across Southeast Asia. We must reclaim that legacy—not only through books but also through modern instruments like artificial intelligence,” said Prof. Pratikno. He warned that AI is not a neutral tool, urging Indonesian scholars and institutions to take part in shaping AI models that reflect Islamic values from an Indonesian perspective.
On the occasion of Earth Day, Prof. Pratikno encouraged religious scholars to begin including environmental stewardship in their teachings, suggesting innovative religious concepts such as “wakaf oksigen”—a spiritual endowment of oxygen to benefit living beings.
He also highlighted that UIII campus is envisioned as a model for green and multicultural campuses. “With this 140-hectare campus, we can become a conservation site for Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. If you’re looking for rare trees, come here. This campus is not meant to be a monoculture but a multicultural space where conservation thrives.”
Prof. Pratikno concluded by reflecting on UIII’s foundational values under President Joko Widodo’s leadership and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin’s vision, emphasizing the need to globalize the university’s governance through an international Board of Trustees. “The world—not just Indonesia—needs this project,” he said.
The launch of the One Million Matoa Trees National Movement symbolizes more than just an environmental campaign, it is part of UIII’s broader mission to become a beacon of intellectual, cultural, and ecological leadership rooted in Indonesian Islamic values.
Contributor:
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Achmad Jatnika
Photo:
Share This :
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia
