Prayers to ward off eruption

Prayers to ward off eruption

SEMARANG: Villagers from Paten, in the Dukun District of
Magelang, plan to hold a prayer session tonight for their safety,
as nearby Mt. Merapi threatens to erupt.

Antara reported that the villagers have always held the
prayers on the eve of Jumat Pon, a Friday that coincides with the
first day of the Javanese five-day week system.

Suwarto, a 46-year-old Paten villager, said the ritual has
existed for generations because the people here have always lived
under the constant threat of volcanic eruption.

He said the villagers refuse to relocate unless the government
moves them all to the same place.

The authorities in Magelang have told the villagers to be on
constant alert. (emb)