Soeharto to attend 'Takbiran' prayer

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto and Vice President Try Sutrisno are scheduled to attend the Takbiran prayer on the eve of Idul Fitri at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta tonight.

"As many as 100,000 Moslems are expected to flock to Monas for the occasion," Central Jakarta Mayor Andi Subur Abdullah said yesterday.

He expressed hope that no one would disturb the religious event.

Governor Sutiyoso had earlier announced a restriction on Takbir rallies, which are usually held on the eve of Idul Fitri by motorists around the city.

"I believe it is dangerous... besides we have pledged to have a modest Idul Fitri celebration. So I strongly urge residents not to hold the rallies," he said.

The breaking of the fast meal will be followed by a mass prayer at dusk. At 7.30 p.m. President Soeharto is scheduled to address the public and talk about his hopes this Idul Fitri before striking a bedug drum.

The Rp 1.3 billion event is to be staged on a 3,000-square- meter podium with 800,000-watts worth of lighting.

The City Land Transportation Agency announced that the area around Monas will be closed from 1 p.m. until after Takbiran.

"So I urge residents to avoid the routes of Silang Merdeka Barat, Timur, Utara and Selatan so they don't get trapped in traffic jams," Oriyanto from the agency said. (edt)