Authorities in Indonesia’s South Sumatra province held a special Islamic prayer gathering on Tuesday as extensive wildfires continued to affect the country’s central and western regions. Approximately 3,000 residents participated in the “salat istisqa” prayer ceremony, which adherents of Islam believe is a supplication for rainfall during times of drought. The gathering took place in the courtyard of the provincial governor’s office in Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra, where participants assembled despite thick smoke that reduced visibility across the area.
The prayer initiative occurred amid a severe wildfire season driven by prolonged dry weather and intensifying climate patterns. Satellite data indicated that West Kalimantan recorded the highest concentration of hot spots at 3,120, with Central Kalimantan at 2,314 and South Sumatra at 1,500. Forestry Ministry records showed that nearly 940 square kilometers burned during July alone. Dense smoke from the fires crossed into neighboring Malaysia and Brunei, according to disaster management officials.
Provincial Governor Herman Deru stated that the prayer would complement ongoing firefighting and drought-mitigation efforts while providing residents an opportunity to unite in response to environmental challenges. Emergency services deployed more than 24,000 firefighters across Sumatra and Borneo islands. Additionally, Indonesia intensified weather-modification operations, deploying 30 aircraft for cloud-seeding and water-bombing over Kalimantan and 22 helicopters covering Sumatra.
Authorities took enforcement action against forestry concession holders, sanctioning six companies after discovering burned forest areas within their managed concessions in Kalimantan provinces. Five companies faced orders to strengthen fire-control measures and rehabilitate burned land, while one company’s permit was suspended due to widespread and recurring fires. Officials indicated that criminal charges could be pursued if investigations determine that companies or individuals deliberately caused fires or failed to meet prevention obligations.
Police arrested 72 people suspected of involvement in starting forest and peatland fires. Authorities attributed many incidents to plantation owners and traditional farmers who use fire for low-cost land clearing for agricultural purposes, generating hazardous conditions that disrupt transportation and public health across the region.
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