1000 couples to join mass wedding

JAKARTA (JP): As many as 1000 poor couples living in Jakarta will take part in a mass wedding to be held on March 19 at the Senayan Sports Stadium, organizers said in a statement on Tuesday.

President Abdurrahman Wahid is scheduled to attend the ceremony organized by the Student's Social Network of the University of Indonesia, the Jakarta chapter of the Nahdlatul Ulama Islamic social organization, Gema Pemuda Madani and other student organizations.

The joint matrimonial ceremony is being held as part of the social solidarity for those who cannot afford to finance their own weddings.

Couples who wish to join the mass wedding must register at their respective subdistrict offices by March. 8 at the latest, organizers said.

An entertainment program, presenting dangdut singers Cici Paramida and Ikke Nurjanah, and pop singer Aldi, as well as comedy group Srimulat, is scheduled to highlight the event. (06)