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Central Java activists hold joint prayer for late Kendeng protester
Peace activists from Semarang, Central Java, held on Thursday a joint prayer and a candlelight vigil to remember Patmi, 48, a farmer from Kendeng, Rembang, who passed away on Tuesday. Patmi died of a heart attack after she attended a rally in front of the State Palace, Jakarta, to protest the construction of state cement maker Semen Indonesia’s factory in the regency.
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Standing up for rights: Kendeng farmers prepare to have their feet encased in concrete in a rally in front of Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on March 15, against the construction of state cement maker Semen Indonesia's factory in Rembang, Central Java.
(Antara/Atika Fauziyyah)
P
o:p>Peace activists from Semarang, Central Java, held on Thursday a joint prayer and a candlelight vigil to remember Patmi, 48, a farmer from Kendeng, Rembang, who passed away on Tuesday. Patmi died of a heart attack after participating in a rally in front of the State Palace, Jakarta, to protest the construction of state cement maker Semen Indonesia’s factory in the regency.
The joint prayer was conducted in front of the Central Java governor’s office on Jl. Pahlawan, Semarang.
Activist Setyawan Budi, who coordinated the event, said the joint prayer was held as a reflection of the struggle by Patmi. Interfaith leaders also participated in the event.
“We planned around 100 people to participate in the event. But we have prepared 150 candles for this joint prayer,” Setiawan said as quoted by kompas.com prior to the event.
“The joint prayer will be held across religions. It is hoped God will give Ibu Patmi a good place beside Him," he added.
The prayer event was initially to be held in the Tugu Muda area, but because a permit would have been required, the organizer moved the event to outside the governor’s office.
"Ibu Patmi was a hero. She is the Kartini of this era,” said Setyawan, referring to a female national hero.
Patmi, a resident of Larangan village in Tambakromo district, Pati regency, was a female farmer who dared to speak out against any development activities that would be harmful to the environment and its ecosystem. She said nature must be protected against damage for future generations. (rdi/ebf)
