Indonesian Police Hold Special Prayer Amid Thick Haze from Forest Fires

A dense haze blankets parts of South Kalimantan, Indonesia, as forest and land fires continue to rage, prompting authorities to seek divine intervention. The smog, particularly thick in Banjarbaru and Banjarmasin during the mornings, has led the Banjarmasin Police Resort to organize a special Salat Istisqa, a prayer for rain.

"With our outward and inward efforts, we ask for Allah's help to send down rain that brings benefits and blessings," stated Kombes Riza Muttaqin, the Banjarmasin Police Chief. The prayer is part of a broader effort to address the ongoing drought and the frequent fires that plague the region, leaving behind persistent smog. Muttaqin emphasized that alongside spiritual pleas, practical measures are being taken, including educating the public about the fire situation and assisting with clean water distribution to affected areas.

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With our outward and inward efforts, we ask for Allah's help to send down rain that brings benefits and blessings.

Forest and land fires have become a recurring issue in South Kalimantan, especially in Banjarbaru and near the Tanah Laut border. The resulting haze significantly reduces visibility for drivers and causes respiratory problems. In addition to the prayers held by the Banjarmasin police, similar religious gatherings are taking place in other locations across the province. The provincial government is also actively working to combat the fires by maintaining moisture in protected forest areas, utilizing water from irrigation systems and drainage channels, and operating pumps continuously.

These efforts to control the fires and mitigate the haze are ongoing. The provincial Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency has been managing water flow since May to ensure sufficient supply to critical areas, including those near the Syamsudin Noor Airport. Monitoring indicates that these areas remain sufficiently moist, suggesting that the current water management strategies are helping to prevent fires as the dry season peaks. This comprehensive approach combines traditional prayers with modern water management techniques to tackle the environmental crisis.

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Besides spiritual efforts, we are also carrying out efforts in the field, such as educating about forest and land fires and helping distribute clean water to affected areas.