Thousands attend mass prayers to seek guidance from Allah
JAKARTA (JP): A blazing morning sun could not dry the tears of most of the hundreds of thousands of Moslems who attended a mass prayer organized by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in the eastern parking lot of the Senayan complex here Sunday.
People attired in traditional Moslem attire packed the huge parking lot from the early morning hours for the event, called Istighotsah. It was intended to allow Moslems to recite prayers together with prominent religious scholars (kyai) to beseech guidance and protection from Allah in overcoming the turmoil battering the country.
"Today we shed tears, bow our heads hoping for Allah to guide us. It's time for us to remind ourselves not to boast about ourselves," said Manarul Hidayat, chairman of the organizing committee of the event called Istighotsah.
The atmosphere turned somber when Sukrom Makmun, Mas'um and Mashuri Baidlowi, three noted scholars from NU, the country's largest Moslem organization, read their prayers.
"We are all feeling miserable at seeing this country falling apart. Too much has happened and this prayer is like rain in the hot blazing sun," said Ardan Nuri, who was visiting from Sukabumi, West Java.
NU members thronged from Greater Jakarta and other provinces, including West Java, Central Java and East Java, arriving in about 6,000 buses and 2,000 trucks.
About 200 military personnel kept guard in the area.
Before conducting main prayers, seven Moslem scholars, including Habib Ali Abdurrahman Assegaf, Abdul Rosyid Abdullah Syafei, Syukron Makmun and Aminuddin Muchtar, led the Zikir prayer.
Also in attendance was the charismatic NU leader Abdurrahman Wahid, popularly known as Gus Dur.
"This is not a political move by NU. This mass gathering is aimed at uniting the people, so that God will bestow strength on Moslems in facing their problems.
"Let's hope that we will be able to solve the problems. This is the aim of Istighotsah," Gus Dur told the sea of people from his wheelchair.
Gus Dur, who is still under close medical supervision after a stroke earlier this year, followed the proceedings by lying down on the stage.
In the two-hour prayer, NU religious leaders called for introspection and understanding of the problems faced by the country.
Several important figures on hand included Minister of Religious Affairs A. Malik Fajar, State/Secretary Akbar Tanjung, State Minister of Women's Affairs Tuty Alawiyah, National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi, outgoing Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Governor Sutiyoso, Saudi Arabian Ambassador Abdullah Abdurrahman Alim, noted Moslem scholar Emha Ainun Najib and former minister of information Hartono.
The event continued last night with the performance of the Kantata Takwa Samsara musical group, which was attended by about 30,000 people.
It featured about 28 songs and the recital of six poems.
Songs included Flag at Half Staff, Marsinah, Bento, Samsara and The Bastard Prince, all reflecting momentous events in the nation's recent history.
They were performed by noted artists Setiawan Djody, Sawung Jabo, Iwan Fals and noted poet WS Rendra.
"This show is the show for the people," Djody said.
Minor disruptions occurred last night, including stones thrown at the stage, but no serious injuries were reported. (edt)