Thousands pray for God's protection

PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: More than 6,000 Moslems gathered and prayed here yesterday asking God to protect the nation from falling into disaster.

The massive prayer was led by local, charismatic Moslem leader Achmad Kusasi Jumberi, Antara reported yesterday.

The head of the local chapter of the Indonesian Ulemas Council, Haderani, told the congregation that the prayer was meant to bring people closer to God so they would be protected from disaster.

"Palangkaraya people should be thankful to God because they have so far been protected from disaster. For that let us pray for our safety as well as the nation's," he said.

Governor Warsito Rasman also attended yesterday's prayer which included the reading of the Koran and a chorus of Moslem recitals. (aan)