PRESIDENT JOINS "ZIKIR" IN MONAS

Jakarta,Feb 13 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Saturday morning attended a joint "zikir" (chant in praise of Allah) at the National Monument (Monas) Square, central Jakarta, in a light drizzle.

The chant themed "Chanting for My Indonesia" was held by the "Majelis Dzikir SBY Nurussalam", "Majelis Dzikir Nurul Musthofa" and the National "Habib" Forum.

Joining the event include his wife, Madame Ani Yudhoyono, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, National Education Minister M. Nuh, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Minister, State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa and Coordinating Minister for Social Welfare Agung Laksono.

Despite the drizzle since the wee hours, hundreds of the congregation had arrived from many directions of Jakarta, and some had even came by buses since 6.30 am.

As the rain was getting heavier, people started to use their umbrellas but others allowed themselves to become soaking wet as the organizers failed to set up tents for them.

In the arena however there were only three tents, the main one measuring 5 by 7 meters facing one of the National Monument gates, one facing Bank Indonesia, and two smaller ones.

The main tent was for the habibs leading the zikir, President Yudhoyono and the cabinet ministers.

The other two smaller tents were for the wives and members of the press.

At 7.30 am one of the habibs started leading the joint prayers while it was still raining.

He prayed that the rain will bring a blessing for the Indonesian people.

But as the drizzle became heavier, many tried to enter the tent for the press. And strangely enough, most of those who sought protection under the tent were mostly male, instead of female and children.

President Yudhoyono and Madame Ani arrived at the location at 8 am. and the President later delivered a brief address as the rain continued with some lightning in the sky.