Indonesians Seek Divine Intervention Amidst Devastating Wildfires and Severe Haze

PALEMBANG: As massive wildfires continue to ravage forests and peatlands across central and western Indonesia, authorities in South Sumatra—the province with the highest number of active hot spots—have turned to spiritual measures. The resulting haze has enveloped multiple cities, creating hazardous conditions throughout the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation.
This initiative to gather for prayer comes amid an extended dry spell that has significantly elevated the risk of both forest and peatland fires.
Recent satellite data from the Environment Ministry reveals that South Sumatra recorded the highest number of hot spots in the country at 1,429, followed closely by West Kalimantan (1,226) and Central Kalimantan (811). Furthermore, Forestry Ministry data shows that nearly 940 square kilometers (363 square miles) were scorched in July alone, with over 20 square kilometers (8 square miles) affected in South Sumatra.
In the provincial capital of Palembang, approximately 3,000 residents convened to perform “salat istisqa,” a special Islamic prayer seeking rainfall. The faithful gathered shoulder to shoulder in the courtyard of the governor’s office, even as thick smoke shrouded nearby roads, buildings, and public facilities. The severe haze drastically reduced visibility, compelling drivers to use their headlights during daytime hours.
“We have done everything we can and worked closely with all relevant parties,” stated South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru prior to the prayer. “As people of faith, we are also praying to God to send rain so that life can return to normal.”
The governor noted that this public prayer is intended to complement ongoing firefighting and drought-mitigation efforts, providing a moment for residents to unite against the province’s environmental challenges.
Emergency responders are currently combating blazes exacerbated by a strengthening El Niño weather pattern and a prolonged dry season. The resulting dense smoke has drifted into neighboring Malaysia and Brunei, according to the National Disaster Management Agency.
To support firefighters on the ground, Indonesia is actively expanding weather-modification operations. This includes inducing rainfall by dispersing salt particles into suitable clouds. Currently, 30 aircraft are deployed for cloud-seeding and water-bombing missions over Kalimantan, supplemented by 22 helicopters covering Sumatra.
Law enforcement has also taken action, with Indonesian police arresting 72 individuals suspected of igniting forest and peatland fires. Additionally, four companies are under investigation for allegedly utilizing fire as a low-cost method for land clearing.
It is common practice for plantation owners and traditional farmers to use fire to clear land for agriculture. However, this practice triggers hazardous haze that impairs visibility, disrupts air and ground transportation, and poses severe public health risks.
Such fires are a recurring issue during Indonesia’s dry season. The resulting haze has frequently prompted diplomatic grievances from neighboring Southeast Asian countries.

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