MALIKI ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY - The issues of fast fashion, textile waste, and environmental crises were the main topics discussed at the Dialogica #2 forum titled “Refusing Extinction,” which took place at Sarijan Coffee Dermo on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The open discussion and documentary screening were attended by various students from major campuses in Malang, as well as featuring academics, environmental activists, and filmmakers to discuss the impact of the clothing industry on the environment and human life.
Ronal Ridhoi, S.Hum., M.A., a history lecturer at Universitas Negeri Malang, highlighted the increasingly uncontrolled consumption patterns of society due to fast fashion culture. During the discussion, it was explained that the habit of excessively buying clothes exacerbates the issues of both organic and inorganic waste, which is still minimally managed to this day. Ronal Ridhoi also touched on the impact of microplastics on human health, including the decline in sperm quality, which was raised in the documentary shown at the event.
Muhammad Asyrofi Al Kindy, S.Pd., M.Sc., a geography lecturer at Universitas Negeri Malang, explained that the needs for clothing, food, and shelter have always been an important part of human life. However, in the history of colonialism, clothing commodities such as cotton also became one of the major factors leading to exploitation practices. Muhammad Asyrofi Al Kindy emphasized the importance of balancing people, planet, and profit in addressing current global environmental issues.
Meanwhile, Gede Ashari, an alumnus of History from UM and an activist at Cinecronic Film, discussed how the visual narrative of the documentary is constructed to show the impact of capitalism on the consumerist lifestyle of the global community. Gede Ashari explained that clothing produced in excess ultimately turns into global waste that continues to accumulate. The discussion also highlighted various solutions such as energy transition and changes in consumption patterns, although it still faces challenges and consequences for the environment.
In an open forum session, Muhammad Ighfar Bi Fadiluka, a student from the Human Resource Management Study Program at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, emphasized the importance of implementing a capsule wardrobe as a form of self-management in facing the fast fashion culture. “A capsule wardrobe is not just about a simple lifestyle, but also a form of self-management so that we can control our consumption patterns and be more responsible towards the environment,” said Muhammad Ighfar Bi Fadiluka.
Through the Dialogica #2 forum “Rejecting Extinction,” participants were encouraged to be more aware of the impacts of excessive consumption patterns and to start building more responsible habits towards the environment. A small awareness that starts from oneself is hoped to become a concrete step in preserving the earth for future generations.