Pekanbaru Mayor Invites Clergy and Students to Pray for End to Forest Fires

The Pekan Beru City Government continues to strengthen its relationship and collaboration with religious scholars, religious figures, and Islamic boarding schools. This synergy is considered vital for building a region that is physically advanced while remaining strong in religious values, character, and social concern.

This commitment was demonstrated by the Mayor of Pekanbaru, Agung Nugroho, alongside Deputy Mayor Markarius Anwar, during a visit to the leadership of the Babussalam Islamic Boarding School, Tuan Guru Syekh H. Ismail Royan, on Friday (4/9/2026).

In addition to seeking advice for the development of Pekanbaru, Agung specifically requested prayers from the Tuan Guru, teachers, and all students so that forest and land fires (karhutla) would end immediately and the air would return to being clean and healthy.

“We have come not only to strengthen our ties but also specifically to request prayers from the Tuan Guru, the teachers, and our children in the pesantren. Please pray for Pekanbaru, Riau, and all regions in Indonesia currently facing forest and land fires,” said Agung.

He expressed hope that the prayers of the scholars and students would become part of the collective effort to face the disaster.

“May Allah soon send down rain that brings blessings, extinguishes the fires, cleanses the air, and provides health and protection to both the community and all officers fighting on the ground,” he continued.

This request for prayer follows spiritual efforts previously undertaken by the Pekanbaru City Government, which included inviting the public to perform the Istisqa prayer simultaneously across 15 districts.

Agung emphasised that prayer does not replace the technical efforts in handling forest fires. Firefighting, prevention, health services, and cross-regional coordination must continue to be carried out to the maximum extent.

“Smoke knows no city or provincial boundaries. Therefore, its handling requires togetherness. The government and officers continue to work on the ground, the community must protect the environment and refrain from burning land, while we all seek Allah’s help,” he said.

Tuan Guru Syekh H. Ismail Royan welcomed the request and stated that the Babussalam Islamic Boarding School community would join in praying for the end of the forest fires.

“God willing, we, along with the teachers and students, will pray that rain falls soon, the fires are extinguished, the air becomes healthy again, and all affected officers and the community are granted protection by Allah,” said Syekh Ismail.

During the occasion, Syekh Ismail also appreciated the tangible work of Agung Nugroho and Markarius Anwar in improving Pekanbaru. He noted that the ongoing development should continue while maintaining closeness to the community and religious leaders.

“We see tangible work being done by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to improve Pekanbaru. However, what we also appreciate is his etiquette in honouring the scholars. Despite his busy schedule, he came to visit, listen to advice, and invite the scholars to think together about the region’s progress,” he said.

According to Syekh Ismail, honouring scholars is not just about attending religious activities, but also about opening communication channels and making scholars partners in looking after the community.

“Leaders who respect scholars, stay close to the people, and work earnestly for the interests of the community will always have our support and prayers. God willing, if a leader maintains etiquette and trust, Allah will grant blessings to the region they lead,” he added.

Agung emphasised that a city’s progress is not measured solely by road construction, environmental management, or economic growth. Progress must also be reflected in a community that possesses good character, harmony, and mutual care.

“The government cannot build the city alone. We need the prayers, advice, and support of the scholars to ensure that every policy remains on the right path and provides the greatest benefit to the people,” he explained.

The meeting was warm and familial. The Mayor and his delegation engaged in dialogue with the boarding school leadership, performed the Friday prayer in congregation, and continued the visit with a luncheon.

On this occasion, the Pekanbaru City Government also handed over development assistance worth Rp 200 million to the Babussalam Islamic Boarding School as a form of support for strengthening religious education facilities and improving the quality of the younger generation.

Agung ensured that visits with scholars and religious figures would continue. The government aims to make scholars and boarding schools strategic partners in maintaining harmony, strengthening character education, resolving social issues, and overseeing regional development.

“With the collaboration of the government, scholars, community leaders, and all elements of the citizenry, God willing, Pekanbaru will become increasingly advanced, harmonious, cultured, and prosperous,” Agung concluded.

Accompanying the visit were the Pekanbaru City Regional Secretary Zulhelmi Arifin, several assistants, various heads of regional apparatus organisations, and members of the Pekanbaru City Government.