National Dhikr at Monas closes 81st Independence Day prayers

The National Dhikr and Prayers at Monumen Nasional, Jakarta, on Saturday (1/8), closed the series of joint prayers that opened the observance of the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence. MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani hoped the dhikr, prayers and shalawat offered would keep Indonesia intact and united, and spare it from division and disaster. Antara reported that about 100,000 people from DKI Jakarta, Jawa Barat and Banten attended. The event included interfaith figures, prayers from six religious leaders, and shalawat led by Habib Syech bin Abdul Qodir Assegaf. Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar described the gathering as an expression of harmony. President Prabowo Subianto had initially been scheduled to attend, but canceled because of state duties.