Prayers Echo at High-Achieving Local Government Awards, Seeking Protection from Disasters
Prayers to Almighty God for protection for the Indonesian archipelago from prolonged disasters, including fires and deadly earthquakes, echoed in Balikping, East Kalimantan.
The prayer was offered during the opening of the 2026 Batch II Regional Kalimantan High-Achieving Local Government Awards held in the ‘Oil City’ on Thursday (9/2) evening.
“O Most Gracious, Most Merciful God. We lift our hands and bow our hearts, seeking Your greatness, O Allah. Gather us under Your protection, grant all blessings and protection to the land of Kalimantan and every corner of our nation, Indonesia,” said the prayer read by the Head of the Balikpapan Ministry of Religious Affairs Office, Masrivani, during the opening ceremony.
“Protect this archipelago from disasters, calamities, and misfortunes. Make the forests, rivers, and lands a source of blessing and peace, rather than prolonged disasters,” he continued.
Devoutly, Masrivani also prayed to the Almighty to protect the Indonesian people from calamity and to bestow peace.
“Keep us away from floods, fires, earthquakes, and all dangers that we cannot even name. O Allah, the Source of Peace, bestow peace, safety, and tranquility upon all the people of Indonesia,” he said.
“Unite our hearts to help, strengthen, and guard this archipelago with a full sense of responsibility,” he added.
The event was also attended by the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian.
The High-Achieving Local Government Awards is an initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs to appreciate local governments that execute programmes and serve the people to the maximum extent.
The Ministry of Home Affairs appointed the Institute of Home Affairs Governance (IPDN) as the organiser. The Rector of IPDB, Halilul Khairi, and the Deputy for Administration, Arief M. Edie, were also present at the event in Balikpapan.
Prior to the event, Halilul stated that the presentation of these awards is based on facts and the achievements of local governments.
“With the selection of these awards, perhaps they can use them to convey to the people that I have done something and have received an award,” Halilul said on Wednesday (2/9) after inspecting the event location.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that the appreciation should serve as a catalyst for the winning local governments to continue performing their best, rather than feeling complacent or that their work is finished.
In this awards programme, 32 regions will receive awards across various categories. These categories include waste and environmental management, access to and quality of healthcare services, and population access to education services.