Indonesia’s South Sumatra Province Suffers from Devastating Wildfires

The Indonesian province of South Sumatra has been grappling with a severe wildfire crisis, with the number of hot spots reaching an alarming 1,429, according to the latest satellite data from the Environment Ministry. This is the highest number of hot spots recorded in the country, followed closely by West Kalimantan with 1,226 and Central Kalimantan with 811.

The prolonged dry weather in the region has heightened the risk of forest and peatland fires, with nearly 940 square kilometers (363 square miles) burned in July alone. The Forestry Ministry data indicates that over 20 square kilometers (8 square miles) of land in South Sumatra province were destroyed in the same period.

Mass Islamic Prayer for Rain Held in Palembang

As the situation continues to worsen, the South Sumatra provincial government has taken a spiritual approach to address the crisis. A mass Islamic prayer for rain, known as ‘salat istisqa,’ was held in Palembang, the capital city of the province, with around 3,000 residents gathering in the courtyard of the governor’s office.

The prayer was led by Governor Herman Deru, who emphasized the importance of unity and collective effort in confronting the environmental challenges facing the province. ‘We have done everything we can and worked closely with all relevant parties,’ he said. ‘As people of faith, we are also praying to God to send rain so that life can return to normal.’

Emergency Services and Weather Modification Operations

The National Disaster Management Agency has been working closely with emergency services to combat the wildfires, with the help of weather modification operations. The Indonesian government has been actively intensifying weather-modification operations to help firefighters combat wildfires by inducing rainfall through the dispersal of salt particles into suitable clouds.

Thirty aircraft are being used for cloud-seeding and water-bombing operations over Kalimantan, while 22 helicopters are covering Sumatra. This initiative aims to induce rainfall and help control the spread of wildfires in the region.

Arrests and Investigations into Forest and Peatland Fires

The Indonesian police have arrested 72 people suspected of starting some of the forest and peatland fires. Four companies are also under investigation for allegedly using fire to clear land at low cost.

Plantation owners and traditional farmers often start fires to clear land for farming, triggering hazardous haze that reduces visibility, disrupts land and air transportation, and threatens public health.