Indonesian Muslims Pray as Wildfires Ravage Peatlands

In Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia, thousands gathered for Islamic prayer on August 25, 2026, asking for rain. This prayer came in response to wildfires that have engulfed peatlands in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The initiative aligns with Indonesia’s struggle against prolonged dry weather, heightening the risks of forest fires.

Fire Hot Spots

The Environment Ministry’s satellite data revealed that South Sumatra had the highest number of fire hot spots, totaling 1,429. West Kalimantan recorded 1,226, while Central Kalimantan had 811. Data from the Forestry Ministry showed nearly 940 square kilometers of land burned in July, including over 20 square kilometers in South Sumatra.

Community Response

Approximately 3,000 locals in Palembang joined a special prayer, known as “salat istisqa,” asking for rain. The governor, Herman Deru, emphasized the importance of faith and community unity in handling these environmental challenges. The prayers complemented ongoing efforts to fight the fires, as dense smoke shrouded the region, reducing visibility and disrupting daily life.

Combatting the Fires

Emergency services, confronting the blazes, were aided by an intensifying El Nino and a lengthy dry season. The smoke has even impacted Malaysia and Brunei. Indonesia is utilizing weather-modification tactics, deploying 30 aircraft for cloud-seeding and water-bombing over Kalimantan and 22 helicopters across Sumatra.

Arrests and Investigations

Police have arrested 72 individuals suspected of causing these fires. Additionally, four companies face investigations for allegedly clearing land with fire. Plantation owners and traditional farmers often use this method to prepare land for cultivation, causing hazardous conditions that disrupt transportation and pose health risks.

Wildfires are a recurring issue during Indonesia’s dry season, and the resulting haze has led to diplomatic tension within Southeast Asia.