Thousands of Muslims in Indonesia’s South Sumatra province gathered Tuesday for a special prayer for rain, known as “salat istisqa,” as massive wildfires continue to rage across the region. The fires, concentrated in central and western parts of the country, have scorched vast areas of forest and peatland, creating a thick haze that has blanketed several cities.
South Sumatra currently has the highest number of wildfire hot spots in the nation, with satellite data indicating 1,429. This has led to nearly 940 square kilometers (363 square miles) of land burning in July alone. In response to the prolonged dry weather and the escalating fire risk, about 3,000 residents assembled in Palembang, the provincial capital, to perform the prayer for divine intervention.
"We have done everything we can and worked closely with all relevant parties," said South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru. "As people of faith, we are also praying to God to send rain so that life can return to normal." He described the public prayer as a way to unite residents in confronting the environmental challenges, complementing ongoing firefighting and drought-mitigation efforts.
Emergency services are battling fires exacerbated by an intensifying El Nino pattern and the extended dry season. The resulting smoke has drifted into neighboring Malaysia and Brunei, according to the National Disaster Management Agency. Indonesia is actively deploying resources, including 30 aircraft for cloud-seeding and water-bombing operations, and an additional 22 helicopters dedicated to Sumatra.
Authorities have also taken legal action, arresting 72 individuals suspected of starting fires and placing four companies under investigation for allegedly using fire as a low-cost land-clearing method. The practice of starting fires to clear land for agriculture is a recurring issue during Indonesia's dry season, often leading to hazardous haze that impairs visibility, disrupts transportation, and poses health risks. Historically, the haze generated by these fires has prompted diplomatic complaints from neighboring Southeast Asian nations.