Thousands hold prayer vigil for Wasior

The Jakarta Post, Luh De Suriyani, Contributor, Denpasar | Fri, 10/15/2010 11:56 AM

Thousands of Balinese held a prayer vigil on Tuesday evening for victims of disasters and violence nationwide, including those afflicted by recent deadly flooding in Wasior, Papua.

“Echo of Peace” participants gathered at the Bajra Sandhi monument in Denpasar to pray and collect donations for flood victims.

The movement, which recently celebrated its eighth anniversary, was founded in response to the 2002 Bali bombings as non-denominational group to promote peace and harmony.

Religious leaders and community representatives at the vigil asked the audience to support victims of disasters and violence.

“Please perform your prayers in accordance with your own beliefs and hope that God will hear your prayers for better life for the Wasior victims,” Ida Bagus Kade Astawa told the audience.

“This prayer vigil for peace contains positive energy for nature. Equality and tolerance are the principles of society,” said Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika.

In his speech, Pastika said that radicalism would not be tolerated in Bali.

Preceded by a purification ritual, the crowd’s songs and prayers attracted public attention.

Interfaith martial arts group Seruling Bambu members wore bright yellow robes and plaited bamboo hats at the event.

“We came here in brightly colored clothing. This is our identity, wearing the robes of monks, but our membership is actually comprised of people of different beliefs,” Seruling Bambu representative Agung Ardi said, adding that people of different beliefs had joined the Tabanan-based group.

Representatives then ignited a torch that symbolized a light of peace. The torch was used to light thousands of candles that were brought by participants.

Organizing committee head I Ketut Darmika said the event was needed to promote harmony and peace in a diverse community.

“God has given us various forms of spirituality, and we celebrate that as energy for harmony, not to be contradicted,” he said.

Echo of Peace was launched after more than 200 were killed and 240 injured when terrorists detonated several bombs at two popular Kuta nightclubs, Sari Club and Paddy’s Pub on Oct. 12, 2002.

Under Echo for Peace, religious leaders have worked together to campaign for peace in Bali to ease anger and pray for the victims.

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