Group to host vigil in U.S.

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