IMM urges legal action against deforestation, not just prayers for rain
As Batam grapples with a worsening clean water crisis, a public prayer for rain has sparked debate over whether spiritual efforts alone can address deeper environmental and governance failures.
City Holds Prayer for Rain
The Batam City Government recently organized Sholat Istisqa, a congregational prayer asking for rain, as the region faces a growing clean water shortage. The prolonged dry season has intensified public anxiety over declining water reserves.
While many residents viewed the prayer as a spiritual effort, the move quickly drew criticism from the Riau Islands chapter of the Muhammadiyah Student Association, known as IMM.
Students Question Policy Priorities
IMM Kepri Chairman Adhanan Fadli said on Feb. 11, 2026, that while the organization respects Sholat Istisqa as a religious initiative, it should not replace the government’s constitutional responsibilities.
“We respect Sholat Istisqa as a spiritual effort. But the state must not substitute its constitutional obligations with symbolism,” Fadli said. He argued that drought alone is not the root cause of Batam’s water crisis.
Deforestation Blamed for Water Shortages
According to IMM, weak environmental law enforcement has allowed illegal deforestation in protected forest areas to continue. These forests serve as vital water catchment zones, storing groundwater and regulating supply.
“When protected forests are cut down and converted, groundwater reserves disappear,” Fadli stated. He described the current drought as a logical consequence of environmental neglect rather than solely natural climate conditions.
Legal Framework Exists but Enforcement Lags
IMM noted that protection of forest areas is already regulated under several national laws, including the Forestry Law, the Law on Prevention of Forest Destruction, and the Environmental Protection and Management Law.
However, Fadli claimed that permits continue to be issued and land clearing persists while enforcement remains weak. “This is no longer merely administrative. It is an environmental crime,” he emphasized.
Call for Transparent Audit and Reform
The student organization is demanding a comprehensive and transparent audit of all activities within protected forest areas. They are also calling for clearer spatial planning policies and measurable rehabilitation programs.
Beyond prayer, IMM insists that Batam needs firm legal action against illegal loggers and any officials who enable violations.
Risk of Recurring Crisis
Batam’s water supply has long been sensitive to rainfall levels, making the city vulnerable during extended dry periods. Environmental degradation further reduces resilience by weakening natural water storage systems.
IMM warned that without structural reform and stricter enforcement, the crisis could recur every dry season, placing increasing pressure on residents and businesses.
The debate in Batam reflects a broader tension between short-term responses and long-term environmental governance. While spiritual initiatives resonate culturally, sustainable water security depends on protecting forests and enforcing environmental laws. For Batam, a strategic city near Singapore, safeguarding natural resources is not only a local necessity but also a regional responsibility as cross-border economic and environmental stability remain interconnected.
Sources: Batam News (2026)
Keywords: Sholat Istisqa Batam, IMM Kepri Protest, Adhanan Fadli Statement, Batam Drought Crisis, Illegal Deforestation Batam, Protected Forest Audit
