AMBON CHURCHES FILLED TO CAPACITY ON NEW YEAR`S EVE

Ambon, Indonesia, Dec 31 (ANTARA) - Christians flocked to churches in Ambon and its sorrounding areas to attend New Year's Eve services on Thursday evening.

Thousands of Christians were seen attending the church services with security forces standing on guard outside.

Although the services were held twice for the day, the churches were filled to capacity every time. Even some of the churches were unable to accomodate all people so that many had to follow the service from outside the building.

Churches had also set up tents outside the building to add space to accomodate attendants.

Churches in the region always organize New Year's Eve services but have different schedules but generally between 5 pm and 8pm.

Security was tighter at Silo Church at the the Trikora inter-section and Fransiskus Xaverius Cathedral on Jalan Pattimura because the two are main streets and traffic there is busy.

Moslems in the city and sorrounding areas meanwhile plan to conduct special prayers at mosques to meet the new year.

The situation in Maluku in general has so far been very conducive and secure as evidenced by the various festive activities people are conducting.***