Jakarta, Dec. 19 -- The Jakarta provincial government has announced plans to hold a mass prayer event on New Year's Eve for residents still reeling from floods and landslides that affected three provinces across Sumatra Island.

"We have decided to prepare a dedicated site as a venue for us to recite prayers and reflect on the disasters that struck Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra," Jakarta Governor Pranomo Anung Wibowo remarked.

Addressing the press in North Jakarta on Friday, he confirmed that the capital will primarily mark the year's transition with prayers, refraining from luxury and extravagance as a gesture of empathy for disaster victims.

"After deliberations, I have decided to avoid excessive festivities and luxury. No, I ...