Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Many Muslims and Buddhists enthusiastically joined an initiative of solidarity launched by Indonesian Catholics. A thousand bags of food and basic necessity as well as free medical care were provided to hundreds of poor people. Munajad, a young Muslim student going to medical school at Muhammadiyah University in Tangerang Regency, was among the many participants who spoke to AsiaNews about the event. For him, "the experience of doing charity work with people from different religions is amazing."
The most significant part of the initiative was held last Sunday when, after days of intense preparations, members of the Saint Mary Immaculate Parish in Tangerang's Teluknaga district, Banten province, collected food and organised free medical visits for the indigent.
At least 122 members of various Catholic organisations and medical professional groups came together for the initiative, handing out a thousand charity packages with food and basic necessities.
With the assistance of Muslim medical students, doctors and volunteers, organisers set up a mobile clinic. Throughout the day, up to 754 poor patients were seen and visited by medical staff for free.
About 20 Catholic doctors from parishes around the capital were involved as well. They were joined by members of prayer groups like Adoramus Te Domine from North Jakarta's St Jacob Parish as well as chemists and nuns from the St Carolus Catholic Hospital in Central Jakarta.