Muhammadiyah celebration moved

YOGYAKARTA: The Yogyakarta chapter of Muhammadiyah Youth will move its anniversary celebration this Sunday to a more discreet location because of heightened political tensions.

Saleh Tjan, the chairman of the event, said here on Friday the commemoration, previously scheduled to be held at the Muhammadiyah University soccer field in Wirobrajan, would be moved to an indoor venue at the Muhammadiyah Regional Board building in Gedong Kuning.

"The number of attendants will be fewer in the building," Saleh said. "We are aware that we must place safety first."

According to Saleh, the decision to move the event was made after police suggested the celebration be canceled because of the current "political climate".

"It was impossible to cancel the event," Saleh said.

Muhammadiyah Central Board deputy chairman Din Syamsuddin and regional chapter chairman Ali Warsito are expected to attend the event. (23)