Gebu Minang to hold conference

PADANG, West Sumatra: The Minangkabau Economic and Cultural Movement (Gebu Minang) will hold a three-day conference starting Thursday at the Tri Arga Hall in Bukittinggi, an official said on Tuesday.

Head of the conference organizing committee Jurnalis Uddin told Antara that the conference would elect new board members and formulate the movement's working programs.

He said at least 500 Minangkabau tribesmen who live outside the province or abroad will attend the conference.

"Hopefully, they can contribute to help ease their fellow residents' suffering due to recent natural disasters and the prolonged monetary crisis," he said.

There will also be an exhibition and a workshop discussing education, economy, religion, and socio-cultural affairs, with experts and keynote speaker Governor Zainal Bakar.

"Former Coordinating Minister of People's Welfare Basri Hasanuddin will also come with a delegation from South Sulawesi. People there are interested in adapting the pattern of Gebu Minang in developing their region," Jurnalis said.(hdn)