Korem 091/ASN holds Istisqa prayer for rain to tackle forest and land fires

Samarinda (ANTARA) - Korem 091/Aji Surya Natakesuma (ASN), together with hundreds of TNI, Polri personnel and members of the public, held an Istisqa prayer at the Makorem Samarinda field on Saturday to pray for rain to tackle forest and land fires (karhutla).

Commander of Korem 091/ASN Brigadier General TNI Anggara Sitompul said the worship was a spiritual effort in facing the prolonged dry season that has triggered a surge in the potential for forest and land fires in East Kalimantan (Kaltim).

“In addition to physical activity in the field, we are also striving to appeal to God Almighty through prayer. This Istisqa prayer is a form of request for ease for personnel in the field and the hope that rain will soon fall in the Kaltim region,” said Anggara.

He encouraged people of other faiths to take similar steps by praying according to their respective worship practices.

Appreciation for Korem 091/ASN’s initiative came from Samarinda Mayor Andi Harun.

He invited the wider community in Kaltim to strengthen outward efforts with a spiritual approach to overcome the drought.

“Not everything can be pursued solely through human hands. Of course, we also very much need God’s help,” said Andi Harun.

Andi Harun stressed that the Samarinda city government has declared a 14-day drought emergency status because the area is now in an alert phase.

“The government’s main focus at the moment is the clean water crisis due to the shrinking of the Mahakam River,” Andi Harun revealed.

The Istisqa prayer, which began at 07.00 WITA, was led by Imam KH Muhammad Subhan.

In his sermon, he called on the congregation to increase their piety, manifested through a caring attitude and preserving the surrounding natural environment.