The relationship between religion and environment has sparked increased scholarly attention, with various research investigating how religious beliefs shape perceptions on nature and ecological responsibilities. However, the extent to which religious values impact individual environmental actions is still limited, particularly in Indonesia, which is susceptible to many environmental crises and its population are overwhelmingly religious.
This study seeks to bridge this gap by investigating the influence of religious beliefs on individuals’ pro-environmental behaviors. Furthermore, this study contributes to a better understanding of the eco-theological foundations of the relationship between humans, god, and nature. Using national survey data from the Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta covering 3,397 respondents, this study demonstrates the intricate and multifaceted relationship between religion and the environment. Religion plays a twofold role in shaping people’s attitudes, and behaviors toward nature. Conservative religious views contribute to shaping the perception of humans as the masters over nature and can act in their best interests. Conservatism also influences individuals’ less ecologically friendly actions in both the private and public domains of personal lifestyles and environmental activism, respectively. Meanwhile, religious values play a role in shaping individuals’ commitment to pro-environmental activities in both the private and public levels.
Iim Halimatusa’diyah is a Professor of Sociology at Islamic State University (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah, a Deputy Director for Research at the Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) UIN Jakarta, and a Visiting Fellow in the Regional Social and Cultural Studies Programme ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. She received the Fulbright Presidential Scholarship for her Ph.D. in Sociology at Iowa State University, USA. Her research interest focuses broadly on the issues of religion, youth, politics, and development and her works have been published in various reputable journals such as the Journal of Civil Society, Rural Sociology, International Journal of Sociology, Asian Politics, and Policy, Social Science Quarterly, Sociology of Development, and Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law.
