Soeharto to attend 'Takbiran' prayer

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)