West Java wins Koranic reading contest<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): West Java emerged as the overall winner of the
\nweek-long Koranic reading contest, which was formally closed by
\nVice President Try Sutrisno in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Saturday.<\/p>\n
West Java contestants came away with top prizes in five
\ncategories, second in six categories and third in three
\ncategories, to earn the right to take home the President Soeharto
\nCup for the second time running. The province was the overall
\nwinner in the previous contest in Yogyakarta three years ago.<\/p>\n
Host Riau and Jakarta both ran a close second, each winning
\nthe top prizes in five categories, but they fielded less
\nfinalists compared to West Java.<\/p>\n
West Java and Riau shared the two most prestigious awards, for
\nthe adult contest. M. Syihabuddin won the men's category for West
\nJava and Putri Nurmini won the women's category for Riau.<\/p>\n
The Koranic reading contest, popularly known as MTQ, proceeded
\nalmost without a hitch. The only exception was when there were
\nquestions about the Rp 14 billion ($6.6 million) spent on staging
\nthe week long event, a sum some people considered extravagant.<\/p>\n
Vice President Try Sutrisno, in his closing remarks on
\nSaturday night, reminded the Moslem community in Indonesia of
\ntheir obligation to help with the government's development drive,
\nparticularly in eradicating poverty and in promoting the
\neducation of the nation's children.<\/p>\n
He said the teachings of the Koran remain relevant today at a
\ntime of rapid changes which is affecting people's lifestyle.<\/p>\n
The Koran, he said, should be used as a source of guidance and
\nexplanation. The book also sets out the difference between what
\nis right and what is wrong.<\/p>\n
Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher, in his speech at
\nthe closing ceremony, said this year's contest indicates
\nsignificant improvement from the previous MTQs.<\/p>\n
He said the MTQ's chief objective is to promote people's
\nunderstanding of the holy book. People should be taught reading
\nthe Koran from early childhood, he added.<\/p>\n
An Islamic exhibition which overlapped the contest was also
\nclosed on Saturday. The exhibition drew a total of 27,000 people
\nin seven nights, according to the Antara news agency. (emb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/west-java-wins-koranic-reading-contest-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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