Walk held to celebrate 'Imlek'

TULUNGAGUNG, East Java: At least 1,000 people of various faiths and ethnicity participated in a walk in Tulungagung regency on Friday. The walk was held to commemorate Chinese New Year (Imlek).

Tulungagung Regent Heru Tjahjono said the walk aimed at strengthening ties among people of different religions and ethnic groups.

"Clashes between people of different faiths or ethnicity are common during elections. The walk can strengthen ties among people of different faiths and ethnicity, so that it can help assuage conflict," said Tjahjono.

The participants walked about four kilometers, passing along Jl. Diponegoro, Jl. A. Yani, Jl. Capt. Kasihin, Jl. Agus Salim, Jl. Basuki Ahmad and Jl. Jaksa Agung Suprapto. The walk finished in front of the regent's office, in the heart of the city.

Local political party leaders took part in the event, but no party paraphernalia was displayed. -- Antara