Jakarta (VNA) – Thousands of Buddhists in Medan, North Sumatra of Indonesia on November 19-20 prayed for peace and tolerance amid rising religious tensions across the country.
Around 15,000 followers ofall Buddhist sects participated in the joint prayer at Soewondo Air Force Base in Medan, which saw the presence of House of Representatives members and local officials Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin opened the event,
marked by the release of hundreds of doves which symbolises peace and harmony. Lukman said the activity was very significant as Buddhists had prayed for peace and harmony in the country, hoping that more joint prayers are held by Buddhists in Indonesia.
The joint prayer, themed “For My Country, Indonesia,” conveyed a message to all religious followers in the country for peace and safety in Indonesia. After the ceremony, all Buddhists participated in a blood donation event./.