T

housands of people on Friday took part in community service in Semarang.

The cleanup activity, called the Diponegoro Clean Movement, is a follow-up to the Clean Indonesia Movement launched by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Residents cleaned drains, sidewalks, public spaces at places such as the Simpang Lima area, Baiturrahman Mosque and Tugu Muda Monument.

“This is a positive activity ahead of the rainy season, especially with the help of soldiers, which is not common,” said Sarmadi who participated in the event.

The cleanup drive, carried out simultaneously in 16 districts in Semarang, was initiated by the Semarang city administration alongside the IV/Diponegoro Military Command.

Diponegoro Military Command chief spokesman Col. Ramses Lumban Tobing said the activity was expected to be held continuously in conjunction with the Friday Clean Movement.

“The campaign is aimed at cleaning up all cities in Central Java and Yogyakarta as well as to unite the community and TNI,” Ramses said on the sidelines of the event.

He said that some 4,000 soldiers were deployed for the event, earning a record from the Indonesian Records Museum (MURI).