Banjarmasin, S Kalimatan (ANTARA) - Governor of South Kalimantan H Muhidin planted a matoa tree (Pometia Pinnata) to support 1 million matoa planting movement throughout Indonesia initiated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag).
Governor said this action was a real manifestation of human responsibility to the earth and survival of other living things on earth.
"Matoa trees that we plant today bring our hopes for a cleaner air, more fertile soil, and more beautiful environment. This movement also reflects spiritual and ecological values, namely how faith and environmental science walk together," he said in Banjarbaru, Tuesday.
Muhidin showed his support by symbolically planting a matoa tree at the courtyard of Sabilal Muhtadin Grand Mosque, Banjarmasin.
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The 1 million matoa planting was carried out to mark the 55th Earth Day and to realize the ecoteology program. South Kalimantan received 10 thousand matoa seedling on this occasion.
He hopes this action can increase people awareness to participate in planting trees that are beneficial for our life together on earth.
“As stated in Al-Quran we are ordered to preserve the earth in various ways, one of which is by planting trees that have been implemented by the state through several ministries. I also appeal to the public to participate in planting trees that are useful for maintaining the beauty of the surrounding environment,” he said.
Head of South Kalimantan Office of Religious Affairs Ministry (Kanwil Kemenag Kalsel) Muhammad Tambrin expressed his appreciation to the Governor Muhidin for his support in making 1 million matoa planting movement in Banua (the province) a success.
“Thank you for the support of the Governor of South Kaliamntan through Forestry Office and Environment Office that we coordinated to obtain 10,000 matoa seedlings,” said Tambrin.
The 10,000 matoa seedlings, he said, will be distributed to Islamic boarding schools (ponpes), schools (madrasah), religious affairs offices (KUA), and other stakeholders to be planted at their respective areas.
“Protecting and caring for the earth is not only a social action, it also a worship, as taught by prophet Muhammad Shallallahu alaihi wasallam who called for planting trees even though we are gone tomorrow. The trees are for the future generation,” he said.
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