Tutut, Amien to attend mass prayer

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Former president Soeharto's daughter Siti "Tutut" Hardijanti Rukmana and People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais are expected to attend a ritual for casting out evil in the South Sulawesi regency, Gowa, on March 5.

The two prominent figures will be among 5,000 people from the province's 28 regencies/mayoralties to gather in the mass prayer, known as National Songkabala.

Governor Amin Syam has agreed to open the event, which will take place in Balla Lampoa Gowa Palace square and last until midnight.

Chairwoman of the event's organizing committee Dewi Yasin Limpo said both Amien and Tutut had expressed an interest in attending the mass prayer.

"We cannot exclude someone who is keen to participate in the event. Their participation shows their concern at the tribulations our country is facing," Dewi, the wife of deputy governor Yasin Limpo, said.

During the prayer, attendants will seek divine help to keep the nation from disintegration and natural disasters, Dewi said. The event will involve a traditional ritual, in which a giant rice cone will be paraded. -- Antara