Drug protesters stage rally

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Hundreds of protesters grouped under various organizations thronged the city's main thoroughfares on Friday, voicing concerns over rampant drug abuse, gambling and prostitution during the Ramadhan fasting month.

Among the groups were the Indonesian Muslim Student Association (HMI), the Indonesian Islamic Student Action Front (KAMMI) and the Muslim Student Movement (Germais).

They marched to Merdeka Square and staged a public speech there, before leaving for a rally across town on motorcycles and cars. The procession caused heavy traffic congestion for several hours.

The demonstrators stopped at Medan Grand Mosque to perform Friday prayers. They dispersed peacefully afterward. (39/edt)