TEMPO.CO, Depok - Depok Mayor Mohammad Idris shed tears while performing Istisqa, or mass prayer for rain, with the civil servants at the city’s hall square on Wednesday morning, October 4, 2023. Idris said he cried as he recalled the importance of water for life.

“In this situation [of the prolonged dry season], we are reminded that we do indeed have sins, don't we?” Idris said.

As he read the verses from the Quran, Idris said he was aware of the pleasure of having water for drinking and bathing during the water shortage.

“On normal days, we just drink water. Sometimes we use our left hand for drinking, without saying bismillah. In fact, bismillah means that we seek Allah’s permission that everything belongs to God. so we should seek His permission first,” he said.

The mass prayer was held simultaneously today in all districts and sub-districts of Depok City.

Aside from the Istisqa prayers, Idris claimed the city administration was determined to build a refreshing park. “We are also monitoring the air quality, spraying water on the roads, and then urging the public to mitigate or anticipate fires,” he added.

During this long dry spell, the Depok city government also monitored fire-prone areas and warned the public not to burn garbage.

RICKY JULIANSYAH

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