SURABAYA, MENARA62.COM – Entering its fourth year, the management team of the Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah program held the Annual Meeting, Monitoring, and Evaluation in Surabaya from October 11 to 15, 2024. During the event, the Director of the Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah Program, Hening Parlan, emphasized the importance of expanding the Eco Bhinneka message as a renewal initiative within Muhammadiyah.
“This year, Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah needs to build a narrative to become a recognized program in interfaith groups focused on environmental issues,” said Hening in her opening remarks. She added, “If we can expand our work, the benefits and opportunities generated will be greater, including in fundraising, especially from donor agencies.”
Hening encouraged the management team to establish broader partnerships in future meetings so that Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah can stand out more prominently. “In this fourth year, as more people learn about the work of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, narrative becomes key to showcasing the strengths of this program,” she explained. The hope is that more people will be interested in joining and providing support, allowing Eco Bhinneka to sustain itself longer.
She likened Muhammadiyah to a large ship that requires lifeboats to fulfill various roles. “In terms of interfaith harmony and environmental preservation within Muhammadiyah, Eco Bhinneka is one of those lifeboats, filled with people from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the beauty of interfaith diversity,” she elaborated.
During the meeting, Hening also urged the team to identify which activities are standout initiatives and which can be developed further. “For example, the Eco Bhinneka programs in Surakarta and Banyuwangi, which work with friends with disabilities to create recycled products. Let’s continue these initiatives. We can also collaborate with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) so that the Environmental Agency (DLH) can provide support, as well as engage with the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) and other partners,” she explained.
Each identified strength, she added, could be showcased in exciting events such as the Eco Bhinneka Festival. During this festival, Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah from various regions can present their specific environmental issues, whether it’s about river management, forest conservation, waste recycling, and more. (*)
