People sign on against violence

YOGYAKARTA: Thousands of people have signed a 99-meter-long white cloth in protest at the violence occurring in the country.

The peaceful protest, dubbed "A Million Signatures for Peace", was organized by the student executive council of Gadjah Mada University.

The white banner was unfurled following Friday prayers on the university grounds. Also on hand to add his signature was People's Mandate Party chairman Amien Rais. Gadjah Mada University rector Ichlasul Amal also inked his name to show his support.

In a brief speech to the assembled crowd, Amal said Yogyakarta demonstrated in May that it could prompt change and hold mass demonstrations peacefully.

"It's time for us to open a new page amid the heightened brutality and violence in Indonesia," he said. (23/44)