Lebanon is still in a deep mourn after a week of the explosion, ‘ten seconds that changed Lebanon forever’. The tragedy took at least 171 lives, injured more than 6.000 people, displaced more than 300.000 residents, and dozens are still missing. Lebanese authority has stated that the initial report showed that the cause of the blast was 2.750 tons of Ammonium Nitrate that was stored unsecured in a hangar in Beirut Port since 2014. Lebanese Authority urged those who were responsible on the explosion must pay the price.

How do Indonesians react?

Several Indonesian community leaders including leaders of cultural and social institutions from various parts of Indonesia are deeply moved by the tragedy and aiming at showing their solidarity and heartfelt for the Lebanese people, especially those who lost their loved ones.

Through "Pray for Lebanon", held on Saturday, August 15 2020 at 14.00 Western Indonesian Time (20.00 Beirut Local Time), the Indonesian Ambassador to Lebanon, Hajriyanto Thohari, together with former Indonesian Ambassadors to Lebanon: Bagas Hapsoro, Dimas Samodra Rum and H. Chozin Chimaidy are sending their peaceful message for solidarity and sympathy. The four ambassadors who had long lived among Lebanese culture and society are sharing the beauty and love that are deeply rooted in Lebanese culture.

"It is unbelievable the number of people lost their loved ones and suffered by the explosion”, said Ambassador Hajriyanto Thohari. Furthermore, Ambassador Hajriyanto also added that the tragedy had left a great sorrow in the heart of Lebanese people.

"The Lebanese people should not be in a deep mourn for a long time, let alone accuse each other which might lead to a new conflict," said Ir. Catrini Kubontubuh M.Arch., The President of Indonesian Heritage Trust (BPPI-Badan Pelestarian Pusaka Indonesia), that has built cooperation of Indonesia-Lebanon through culture relations in heritage and literacy with Gibran National Committee Lebanon since 2009.

This initiative received many support from organizations and individuals who were feeling the connection with Lebanon, among others, by Eka Budianta, a writer and editor of the work of the Lebanese poet, a heritage conservationist from Yogyakarta, Dr. Laretna Adishakti and Trias Kuncahyono, Middle East international analyst, including several members Indonesian Peacekeepers ‘Kontingen Garuda’ who are on a mission in Lebanon. Some agendas of "Pray for Lebanon" includes reading a poem (citation) by Kahlil Gibran, followed by a harp performance by Miranti Serad. One of the renowned Indonesian Pianists, Ananda Sukarlan will also present his musical performance "A song for Lebanon". Last but not least a musical presentation "Song for Lebanon" and virtual choir from more than 150 people will be presented during the event, singing one of Indonesian national song "Mother Earth” or Ibu Pertiwi in Indonesian, composed by Charles Crozat Converse in 1868.