By: Siti Maryam

WWF Central Sumatra Program and Majelis Ulama Riau (MUI) held a gathering of Da'i Conservation at Subayang Field Station, Kampar Kiri Hulu District, Kampar -Riau. The event was attended by 17 Dai from around the Rimbang Baling area as a forum for sharing information about the implementation of MUI Fatwa No. 4 of 2014 concerning the preservation of endangered animals to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.

Collaborating with the Secretary of MUI Riau Province, Abdurrahman, the event took place on November 21-22, 2016. In his speech, Ustad Abdurrahman explained the purpose of this gathering.

''This event aims to establish the relationship of da'i in Sungai Subayang, Sungai Bio, and Singingi Hilir. The focus of the meeting is to refresh the material on the MUI Fatwa on endangered animals that has been done before, "he explained.

Previously, in April, WWF Riau together with the central MUI and National University-Jakarta held a Da'i Conservation Training at the Pekanbaru Forestry Training Center. It is hoped that these Da'i can follow up to socialize the MUI fatwa to the people in their home areas.

MUI Fatwa No. 4 Year 2014 itself has received appreciation from environmental activists in the world. ''This fatwa is not only a concern for us Muslims, but has also become a concern for the world. Therefore, we have the responsibility to preserve Indonesia's nature, such as the local nature in Subayang," said Abdurrahman.

The beautiful natural conditions of the Bukit Rimbang Bukit Baling Forest in Kampar Kiri Hulu must be maintained in the hope that future generations can experience this natural beauty. The destruction of nature is caused by human actions because of feelings of greed. So do not be surprised if the Prophet Muhammad SAW warned his people not to be greedy because it can threaten our lives.

"Awareness of the importance of sustainability is continuously carried out, so Da'i Conservation is needed to enlighten the community," explained Abdurrahman.

The two-day activity was interspersed with video presentations on the importance of rivers for life. Then it continued to emphasize the MUI Fatwa by reviewing it one by one and asking questions and answers. The enthusiasm of the Da'i was so great, this was evidenced by the many questions that were conveyed.

Besides aiming to establish friendship, in this event also formed Da'i Conservation Communication Forum (For Ko Das) Antau Singingi, Antau Subayang, Antau Bio. The formation of this forum began with the initiation of the dai to strengthen communication among the dai in the Rimbang Baling area, especially in Kampar Kiri Hulu Sub-district, Kampar Regency and Singingi Hilir Sub-district, Kuantan Singingi. It didn't take long, with high enthusiasm to provide a forum for these preachers, to organize the structure of the communication forum. Ahmad Sodik, a Dai from Tanjung Belit Village, Kampar Kiri Hulu, was elected as chairman of the forum.

''The purpose of this forum is to sustain the Da'i Conservation movement and to establish cooperation with all Da'i in the village in Rimbang Baling and assisted by WWF and MUI," explained Ahmad Sodik as the forum chairman.

''Hopefully with the establishment of this communication forum, the movement or spirit of the Da'i will be stronger. As Da'i we can provide knowledge so that people do good and leave bad. So as to be able to make people aware of the preservation of nature, "concluded Ahmad.