Riza Roidila, Jakarta – Hundreds of Surabaya residents in East Java flocked to the city's Heroes Monument on Sunday night to hold a candlelit vigil against terrorism and mourn the victims of three church bombings earlier that day.
Dressed in green, the provincial capital's signature color, participants sang folk songs and called on all Indonesians to join hands and condemn acts of violence committed on behalf of religion.
One was seen raising a placard that read, "No religion teaches terrorist", while another held up a banner with the message: "We are not afraid to die to fight terrorism. We are not afraid."
The vigil was shared across social media platforms with the hashtag #SuroboyoWani (BraveSurabaya).
Three bombs exploded in three churches across the city shortly before Sunday Mass, killing 13 people and injuring 41 others. Two attempted attacks were reported at two other churches in the city.
Later the same day, another explosion was reported at a low-cost apartment in the nearby city of Sidoarjo. (dmr)