Forest Fires Threaten Kalimantan, Dayak Customary Council Urges Residents to Hold Rituals and Rain Prayers
The National Dayak Customary Council (MADN) is taking steps to address the threat of forest and land fires (karhutla) currently affecting several regions in Kalimantan. The Dayak indigenous community has been asked to halt various burning activities amidst conditions of extreme drought and haze disasters.
This appeal was formalised in MADN Advisory Letter Number 566/MADN/S-I/VIII/2026 regarding Drought Disaster Management, Forest Fire Prevention, and the Implementation of Customary Rituals and Joint Prayers in the Land of Kalimantan, dated 30 August 2026.
The President and General Chairperson of MADN, Marthin Billa, has requested that the ranks of the Dayak Customary Council (DAD), Temenggung, Customary Chiefs, customary officials, and the Dayak community across various regions of Kalimantan increase vigilance and take preventative measures.
One major concern is fire sources originating from human activity. MADN specifically reminded residents not to discard cigarette butts carelessly when in forest or land areas that are in a dry condition. “It is strictly forbidden to discard lit cigarette butts,” stated one point in the advisory letter, as reported on Monday, 31 August 2026.
In addition to cigarette butts, MADN has also asked the community to stop open waste burning, whether in house yards, by roadsides, or in other locations near dry vegetation. Activities involving the burning of forests, land, and shrubs are also requested to be temporarily suspended while extreme drought and haze disasters persist.
Efforts to face the drought and forest fires are not limited to preventing fire sources. MADN is also inviting Temenggung, Customary Chiefs, and Dayak spiritual leaders to perform customary rituals according to the traditions of their respective sub-tribes.
Several rituals mentioned in the appeal include the Mulang Kangkanong Ritual, Kanjan, and other local rituals applicable within their respective customary communities.
Alongside customary rituals, MADN is inviting the Dayak community throughout Kalimantan to conduct interfaith joint prayers. These prayers are directed to Almighty God according to each person’s religion and belief, seeking the arrival of rain and the end of the haze disaster.
“Strengthen your faith and simultaneously offer prayers to Almighty God so that blessed rain is sent down and this haze disaster ends soon,” said Marthin.