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Journal Evangelikal: Jurnal Teologi InjiliEvangelikal: Jurnal Teologi Injili Abstract

Indonesia is grappling with the complex challenge of managing its forests in a truly sustainable way. Problems such as land degradation, widening socio-economic gaps, and ongoing environmental damage not only threaten the well-being of local communities but also put at risk the countrys rich biodiversity that is vital to the world. Although social forestry programs in Indonesia hold tremendous promise, their implementation often overlooks the integration of traditional ecological wisdom and theological perspectives—elements that could enrich and strengthen current forest management practices. This study proposes the integration of principles from the Torah, emphasizing stewardship, biodiversity preservation, and justice, along with insights from ecotheology, to inform sustainable social forestry management in Indonesia. Drawing on religious texts, theological insights, and contemporary environmental scholarship, this research explores how the teachings of the Torah and ecotheological perspectives can be applied to enhance social forestry practices. Case studies from Israel, along with initiatives led by Catholic and Protestant churches in Indonesia, demonstrate how religious values can be woven into environmental conservation. By integrating Torah principles and ecotheological perspectives into social forestry, forest management can evolve into a more holistic practice—one that not only protects the environment but also nurtures social cohesion and spiritual well-being. Applying these principles paves the way for sustainable forestry in Indonesia, while at the same time uplifting local communities and safeguarding nature for future generations.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the Torah offers a robust ecotheological framework for developing a praxis of sustainable forestry, evidenced in precepts such as Shmita, Bal Tashchit, the safeguarding of biotic plurality, and the distributive justice guarded by the mechanisms of Peah and Leket.These normativities exemplify that ecological stewardship is inscribed within the very fabric of covenant obligation, such that forestry is reconstituted not as a secularist calculus of material gain, but as an obligatory service to the Creator.Further research is needed to translate these insights into measurable and actionable strategies through collaboration among ecologists, forest policymakers, and indigenous silvicultural practitioners.

Future Research

Building on the papers exploration of Torah principles and their relevance to sustainable forestry, future research should investigate how these principles can be practically integrated into existing social forestry policies in Indonesia. Specifically, a study could examine the feasibility of implementing a Shmita-inspired rotational fallowing system in community forests, assessing its impact on soil health, biodiversity, and local livelihoods. Furthermore, research is needed to develop culturally sensitive indicators for measuring Bal Tashchit – the avoidance of unnecessary destruction – within forestry practices, moving beyond purely economic metrics to include ecological and spiritual values. Finally, a comparative study could analyze the effectiveness of different community-based forest governance models in Indonesia, focusing on those that explicitly incorporate principles of resource justice inspired by the Torahs laws of Peah and Leket, to identify best practices for equitable benefit-sharing and community empowerment. These research avenues will contribute to a more holistic and ethically grounded approach to forest management in Indonesia, fostering both ecological sustainability and social well-being.

References

1. Laudato Si, Environmental Theology and the Leadership of Pope Francis | East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary... doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v3i2.7781Laudato Si Environmental Theology and the Leadership of Pope Francis East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary doi 10 55927 eajmr v3i2 7781
2. Imago mundi: Justice of peace | Rabie-Boshoff | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies. imago mundi... hts.org.za/index.php/hts/article/view/7611Imago mundi Justice of peace Rabie Boshoff HTS Teologiese Studies Theological Studies imago mundi hts za index php hts article view 7611
3. Evangelikal: Jurnal Teologi Injili. ethical values leadership practices deuteronomy evangelikal jurnal... journal.sttsimpson.ac.id/index.php/EJTI/article/view/584Evangelikal Jurnal Teologi Injili ethical values leadership practices deuteronomy evangelikal jurnal journal sttsimpson ac index php EJTI article view 584

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