Group to host vigil in U.S.

USA: The Washington-based Society for Indonesian-Americans (SIA) will organize a nationwide candlelight vigil commemorating the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, South Asian countries and Africa on Feb. 4.

The event, which took place 40 days after the tragedy (an Indonesian traditional time of memorialization), will be held simultaneously in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Francisco and Seattle and Washington D.C. The Washington's event will take place at the Indonesian Embassy from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time.

The event program consists of a moment of silence, discussion, films and photograph exhibition. Indonesian Ambassador for the United States Soemadi D.M. Brotodiningrat is scheduled to speak from Washington D.C. in a nationwide conference call.

A representative from Mercy Corps will update participants on their tsunami relief efforts in Aceh. Mercy Corps has been designated by SIA as the primary recipient of their donations due to their extensive on-site presence, their low administrative costs and their innovative activities in Indonesia.

SIA also received donations of clothing and children's toys during the event.

"This is a nationwide event in the U.S. to show respect and solidarity toward the victims not only in the Indonesia region, but all tsunami-affected countries. SIA plays a role in bringing together Indonesians and Americans in the U.S., but on this evening, we hope to bring together the world in unity for a moment of silence," Avian Tumengkol, SIA protocol for Indonesia, said. -- JP