College opens Chinese studies

JAMBI, Jambi: The Ministry of Religious Affairs is to open a study program on China at its state institute for Islamic Studies at its college in Medan, North Sumatra.

Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher, his Secretary- General Chatib Quzwain, and Ali Ya'kub Matondang, rector of the Medan State Institute of Islamic Studies (IAIN) discussed the plan here Thursday, Antara reported yesterday.

Chatib said the IAIN in Medan was chosen because of its already extensive bibliography on China, and because Chinese travelers set foot in Medan when they first arrived at the archipelago centuries ago.

The study program is expected to explore social, cultural, religious and economic issues.

Ali Ya'kub said his college was ready to start the program by the next school semester. It will be incorporated into the college's School of Dakwah (Islamic Propagation). (swe)