Indonesians brave choking smoke to pray for rain as country battles wildfires

Asia Indonesians brave choking smoke to pray for rain as country battles wildfires August 25, 20261:24 AM ET By  The Associated Press Indonesian Muslims attend a prayer requesting for rain following wildfires that burn through peatlands in several regions in Sumatra and Kalimantan Island, in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. Muhammad Fajri/AP hide caption toggle caption Muhammad Fajri/AP PALEMBANG, Indonesia — Authorities in Indonesia's South Sumatra, the province with the highest number of wildfire hot spots, turned to spiritual measures on Tuesday as huge blazes in central and western regions scorched wide areas of forests and peatland, creating a choking haze that blanketed some cities in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country. The prayer gathering initiative comes as the province faces prolonged dry weather that has heightened the risk of forest and peatland fires. A man is silhouetted against the haze from wildfires that blankets Musi River in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. Muhammad Fajri/AP hide caption toggle caption Muhammad Fajri/AP The latest satellite data from the Environment Ministry showed South Sumatra recorded the highest number of hot spots nationwide with 1,429, followed by West Kalimantan with 1,226 and Central Kalimantan with 811. Forestry Ministry data indicated that nearly 940 square kilometers (363 square miles) were burned in July alone, including over 20 square kilometers (8 square miles) in South Sumatra province. Sponsor Message About 3,000 residents gathered in Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra province, to perform a special Islamic prayer for rain, known as "salat istisqa." They prayed shoulder to shoulder in the courtyard of the governor's office as thick smoke shrouded roads, buildings and public facilities, reducing visibility and forcing motorists to drive with their headlights on during the day. "We have done everything we can and worked closely with all r...