The first Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Shared Trust: Faith, Nature, and Collective Action, themed “A Dialogue with Religious Communities on Value-Based Climate Engagement in Java,” was convened on 3 March 2026 in Jakarta. It brought together representatives from faith-based institutions, philanthropic organizations, civil society, academia, and research bodies to explore the role of religious communities in addressing environmental challenges. The discussion drew on AYANA’s preliminary research with 40 participants across several provinces, showing that climate change is widely experienced through everyday environmental and livelihood impacts, often understood through practical, community-based perspectives.

Participants highlighted how values such as rukun (harmony), gotong royong (collective cooperation), and stewardship rooted in religious teachings can serve as entry points for environmental action. Examples included waste management, ecological education, mangrove restoration, and community-based initiatives through religious networks. The discussion emphasized the need to integrate faith-based approaches with scientific knowledge and collaboration, with AYANA planning further dialogues and a broader consolidation to strengthen partnerships for community-rooted environmental action.