Drought Hits Bireuen Regency, Regional Leadership Coordination Forum Holds Istisqa Prayer at Cot Gapu Green Open Space.
The Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) of Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province, held a joint prayer and Istisqa prayer under a light drizzle on Friday afternoon (August 1, 2025) at the Cot Gapu Green Open Space (RTH) in Kota Juang District, Bireuen.
The voluntary prayer, to ask Allah SWT for rain due to the recent prolonged drought due to the hot and dry weather, was led by the Imam of the Peusangan Grand Mosque, Tgk Muhammad Hafiq.
The sermon and joint prayer were delivered by the Imam of the Sultan Jeumpa Grand Mosque, Tgk Saifuddin Muhammad, who is also the Chairman of the Bireuen Regency Ulema Consultative Council (MPU).
Following the communal prayer and sermon, a prayer led by Ridwan Muhammad from the Bireuen Islamic Education Institute (IPQAH) was held. The Regent, Deputy Regent, and all congregants performed the Istisqa prayer.
The event was held in accordance with the Bireuen Regent's circular letter No. 400.14.1.1/ regarding the invitation to hold the communal prayer and Istisqa prayer, dated July 31, 2025, addressed to relevant officials, including vertical agencies, and all employees within their ranks.
The Regent of Bireuen, H. Mukhlis, concluded the event by stating that the drought that has occurred over the past few months has been very concerning for the community, as the cause is indeed the dry weather.
One of the efforts being taken by the Bireuen government is that today we performed the Istisqa prayer and prayed together to Allah SWT in the hope that rain would be sent to alleviate the drought, he hoped.
The Regent added that he felt grateful and happy because a light rain began to fall shortly before the Istisqa prayer.
"We were just about to pray for rain, and Allah SWT has sent rain, albeit lightly. I am very happy," said Regent Mukhlis before the thousand-strong congregation.
The Istisqa prayer was attended by the Deputy Regent of Bireuen, the Bireuen Police Chief, the Bireuen Military District Commander, the Bireuen District Attorney, Bireuen government officials, religious leaders, and the Bireuen community.
