Thousands pray for God's help

PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: Thousands of Moslems gathered in the town square here Saturday for an istighotsah service (prayers asking for divine help) to lift the nation out of the economic crisis.

The service was led by Haderanie, chairman of the Central Kalimantan chapter of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI). Also present was Central Kalimantan Governor Warsito Rasman.

Haderanie said the service would pray for God's help to salvage the nation from its present crisis and avoid internal conflicts which could lead to disintegration.

The service began with recitations from the Koran and the chanting of Allah's name.