Thousands pray for God's protection

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)