Central Kalimantan strengthens efforts to face dry season through istisqa prayer and supplication

Palangka Raya (ANTARA) - Central Kalimantan (Kalteng) Governor Agustiar Sabran has called on the public to strengthen both outward and inward efforts in facing a prolonged dry season that has the potential to worsen drought as well as forest and land fires (karhutla).

One such effort was the holding of an istisqa prayer and collective supplication at the Bundaran Besar area in Palangka Raya on Sunday, attended by regional government officials, the TNI/Polri, community organisations, religious leaders, and members of the public.

“This dry season has triggered drought and increased the potential for forest and land fires that threaten public health, the environment, and the wheels of our community’s economy,” said Agustiar in Palangka Raya on Sunday.

The Central Kalimantan Provincial Government, together with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), the TNI/Polri, volunteers, and the community, has undertaken various efforts to anticipate and handle forest and land fires.

These efforts, he said, have included the standby deployment of personnel, extinguishing hotspots via land and air routes, and carrying out weather modification operations.

“However, these various outward efforts need to be perfected with inward efforts, namely surrendering ourselves and seeking help from Allah SWT,” he said.

According to Agustiar, the istisqa prayer and collective supplication serve as a momentum for the entire community to engage in muhasabah, self-correction, repentance, and seeking forgiveness for various mistakes and sins.

“As weak creatures before the Creator, all these physical efforts must be perfected with inward efforts,” he said.

Agustiar also reminded the public to help protect the environment during the dry season. Residents were asked not to clear land by burning and to use clean water supplies wisely and efficiently.

He also urged the public to maintain their health by reducing outdoor activities if air conditions worsen and by wearing masks as a means of self-protection.