Jakarta (ANTARA) – Thousands of people gathered at Jakarta’s National Monument (Monas) on Saturday for a national prayer and remembrance event ahead of Indonesia’s Independence Month celebrations.
Crowds wearing white clothing began arriving at Monas from various regions, including groups traveling by bus from Tasikmalaya, West Java, according to observations at the site.
After entering the venue, attendees were divided into male and female groups for security checks and distribution of event souvenirs.
Participants received prayer items from the Indonesian Presidential Palace, including prayer mats, women’s prayer garments, and men’s sarongs.
They then laid out their prayer mats around the main stage prepared by organizers.
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The Religious Affairs Ministry estimated around 100,000 people from across Indonesia would attend the event.
The public event was scheduled from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time as part of preparations for Indonesia’s Independence Month.
Attendees could enter the venue from 3 p.m. through security gates on the north and south sides of Monas, while those outside the main area could watch through LED screens.
Organizers also prepared public support facilities, including health services, 100,000 bottles of 600-milliliter drinking water, and 100,000 bread packages provided by the National Zakat Agency.
According to the ministry, 100 civil servants from its Christian and Catholic guidance directorates would perform national songs during the Zikir and National Prayer event.
The choir performance was part of a program involving leaders from different religions to welcome Indonesia’s Independence Month.
“They will sing Indonesia Raya and two patriotic religious songs, Padamu Negeri and Doa Kami. The choir has 100 members,” Catholic Guidance Director General Suparman said.
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Christian Guidance Director General Jeane Marie Tulung said choir members had completed several rehearsals and were ready for the main event.
All choir members are Religious Affairs Ministry civil servants from the Christian and Catholic guidance directorates, with no participants from outside the ministry, Jeane said.
To maintain the area during the event, seventy-five cleaning volunteers were deployed, organizers said.
The Zikir and National Prayer gathering is part of nationwide activities marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day celebrations.
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Translator: Putu IS, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
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