JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) London has Big Ben, and New York drops
the glittering ball. Jakarta rang in the new year with a giant
brass gong that its crafters said would make the Earth tremble.
Thousands of people witnessed the ceremony at Ancol amusement
park near the city's old harbor. The gong, weighing 6,600 pounds
and more than 6 yards in diameter, is believed to be the world's
largest.
Trimanto Wiguna, who designed the instrument and 15 drums that
were played in harmony with it at midnight, said the music
symbolizes the hope for a harmonious and united Indonesia. The
world's fourth-most-populous nation has been torn by religious
violence and vicious fighting over the independence of East Timor.
''Indonesia can become a prosperous and democratic nation only
if peace prevails,'' the 70-year-old master craftsman said.
Jakarta's deputy Gov. Abdul Kahfi has said New Year's Eve events
should focus on ''thanking God and on self-introspection,'' adding
that all festivities must feature Indonesian culture and motivate
participants to work hard and ''unite as a nation.''
About 90 percent of Indonesia's 210 million people are Muslims,
making it the world's most populous Muslim nation. There are
sizable Christian, Buddhist and Hindu minorities.
The year 2000 holds no special significance in Islam, since
Muslims count lunar years from the day the Prophet Muhammed fled
from Mecca to Medina making this the year 1420. Indonesia is also
in the midst of the holy month of Ramadan. Discos, nightclubs and
brothels have been ordered closed until mid-January.
Some New Year's celebrations were scheduled at hotels and
restaurants, but organizers had to obtain permits and adhere to
strict conditions, including providing for any special needs of
Muslim revelers.
Still, as in previous years, tens of thousands of people crowded
into Jakarta's downtown avenues and Merdeka Square, blowing paper
trumpets and beating on drums.
