Y

OGYAKARTA: A cultural parade to pay tribute to the city’s campaign for tolerance and harmony is scheduled to be performed on Sunday by youth members of Gerakan Seni Taruna Mataram (Genitama) and Lingkar Muda.

Called “Yogya: The City of Tolerance” and marked by a Peace Torch parade, the event is being held to express concern about the increase in intolerance and violence in Yogyakarta, and in Indonesia in general.

“Through this cultural event, youth from various backgrounds in Yogyakarta will be encouraging local leaders to make a commitment to ensuring security for minorities,” Ardan Budiyana, head of the organizing committee, said on Thursday.

He said the event would raise awareness among people about the need for, and protection of, diversity. “Stern action from the government against intolerance and violent acts is needed to provide security for minority groups,” he said.

The parade is set to feature 2,000 participants from 40 different community groups. It is expected to start from the Abu Bakar Ali Park, traveling via the thoroughfares of Malioboro and ending at the Serangan Oemoem Monument.

Peace Torch parades have also taken place in Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara) and Manado (South Sulawesi).

The participants are expected to make a personal pledge to safeguard “Yogya: The City of Tolerance”