Muslims help secure Good Friday

LARANTUKA, East Nusa Tenggara: Muslim youths here joined in securing a procession held to commemorate Good Friday.

About 90 Muslim activists were asked to join security services for the six-kilometer-long procession, in which thousands of Catholics participated.

Muhamad, one of the security personnel, said helping to secure the procession was a unique experience, even though he lived among Catholics. Kasim Sangaji, another Muslim activist, also said it was interesting, as he usually only witnessed the annual procession from a distance.

East Flores regent Hendrikus Hengky Mukin said the cooperation should serve as a model for other communities.

The procession is a 400-year-old custom here, since the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared in Larantuka. (yac)