Muslims in Palangka Raya Hold Istisqa Prayer Amid Drought and Forest Fires

Muslims in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, performed the Istisqa prayer at the Bundaran Besar on Sunday (23/8/2026). The sunnah prayer was held as a spiritual effort by the community to appeal for rain amid a prolonged dry season that has increased the risk of drought and forest and land fires (karhutla). The activity was attended by elements of the regional government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces and National Police, religious leaders, community organisations, and members of the public. The prayer took place as the threat of forest and land fires continued to loom over several areas of Central Kalimantan. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded 645 hotspots in the province as of 11 August 2026, with the highest numbers located in East Kotawaringin and Kapuas.