RT Journal Article
T1 Between faith and profit: religio-cultural ethics and economic pragmatism in the conservation of senepis peatland, Riau, Indonesia
A1 Effendi, I.
A1 Sutikno, S.
A1 Mammadova, U. F.
A1 Palá Paúl, Jesús
A1 Safutri, D.N.
A1 Muhammad, A.
A1 Akbar, M.R.
A1 Hafidawati, A.
A1 Samiaji, J.
A1 Qomar, N.
AB Peatlands are globally significant carbon sinks and hotspots of biodiversity, yet they face intense pressure from agricultural expansion, plantation development, and infrastructure projects. Conservation policy for these ecosystems must therefore negotiate competing priorities: the economic imperatives of local and national development, and the cultural — particularly Islamic and Malay — values that shape community relationships to land and natural resources. This study examined how Islamic ethical principles and Malay cultural norms intersect with, reinforce, or conflict with economic drivers influencing peatland use in Senepis peatland, Riau, Indonesia. Drawing on qualitative analysis of literature, policy documents, and survey, we identify three patterns: (1) cultural-religious frameworks often provide strong moral support for conservation when local leaders translate ecological stewardship into religious obligation and customary practice; (2) economic incentives—both formal and informal—frequently undermine conservation unless alternative livelihoods or benefit-sharing mechanisms exist; and (3) hybrid governance approaches that integrate Islamic ethics, adat institutions, and market-based instruments yield more durable conservation outcomes. We conclude that effective peatland conservation in the area requires policy instruments that align economic benefits with cultural and religious values, strengthen local customary and religious leadership, and create equitable livelihood alternatives.
PB Academic Organisation for Environmental Engineering and  Sustainable Development
SN 1841-0464
YR 2026
FD 2026-02-01
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/138000
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/138000
LA eng
NO Effendi, I., Sutikno, S., Mammadova, U. F., Palá Paúl, J., Safutri, D. N., Muhammad, A., Akbar, M. R., Arifudin, Hafidawati, Samiaji, J., & Qomar, N. (2026). Between faith and profit: religio-cultural ethics and economic pragmatism in the conservation of Senepis peatland, Riau, Indonesia. European Journal of Science and Theology, 22(1), 117–138
NO We would like to express our gratitude to several parties who havesupported the implementation of this research. These parties include: 1)University of Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia, 2) Center for Peatland and DisasterStudies (CPDS), University of Riau, Indonesia, 3) MSE, Institute of AR SEMInstitute of Geography PLE (Public legal entity), Soil Ecology Department,AZ1073, M. Rahim 5, Baku, Azerbaijan, 4) Dpto. Biodiversidad Ecología yEvolución, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain, 5) Institute of Islamic Religion Tafaquh Fiddin, Dumai, Indonesia.
DS Docta Complutense
RD 8 ago 2026