Muslims gather for rain prayers in Indonesia’s wildfire-hit South Sumatra

Indonesia's South Sumatra province, grappling with a high number of wildfire hot spots, turned to spiritual measures as blazes scorched vast areas of forests and peatland, creating a dense haze across the region and affecting some of the world's most populous Muslim-majority cities. Authorities initiated a prayer gathering, emphasizing their efforts complementing firefighting and drought-mitigation measures.

In Palembang, the provincial capital, approximately 3,000 residents assembled in the governor's office courtyard to perform "salat istisqa," a special Islamic rain prayer, shoulder to shoulder. Thick smoke blanketed the city, reducing visibility and forcing drivers to rely on headlights during daylight hours. The governor, Herman Deru, assured that the community had done everything possible, working closely with all relevant parties, and that the prayer aimed to unite residents in overcoming the environmental challenges facing the province.