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)