Abstract:
The study on the role of religious moderation in food consumption
practices as a strategy to maintain environmental balance highlights
the unique synergy between Islamic and Confucian values within the
local context of Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. This article
explores the moderate practices of Muslims and Confucians in
Pontianak in valuing food to maintain environmental balance. More
specifically, this article asks how Islamic and Confucian values of
moderation are reflected and integrated into daily consumption
practices to maintain environ-mental balance sustainably. Data was
collected through in-depth interviews with informants representing
Muslim and Confucian communities. The results show that both
communities own environ-mentally friendly practices reflected in
efforts to reduce food waste and control consumption. The concept of
moderation and balance in Islam and Confucianism is the main
foundation of this practice, as well as religious teachings, cultural
norms, and ethical values. The findings suggest that environmental
stewardship can be a point of convergence between religion and
culture to maintain the sustainability of natural resources. These
findings’ policy and conceptual implications can be used to promote
awareness of environmental stewardship among Muslim and
Confucian communities and develop inclusive sustainability strategies.
Further studies can expand the scope and go deeper in understanding
sustainable behavior in diverse cultural contexts.
