Habibie to open contest

DENPASAR, Bali: President B.J. Habibie is expected to open the national selection of finalists for the 13th Koran Reading Contest (STQ) here on June 27.

Bali deputy governor Ahim Abdurahim, who is also chairman of the contest's organizing committee, said yesterday that the event would be held in the Ngurah Rai Sports Stadium from June 27 to July 3.

Up to 14 contestants from each of the country's 27 provinces are expected to participate.

Yogyakarta will send the biggest contingent, with 270, followed by 120 from Central Java.

North Sulawesi will send 25 contestants, East Timor 35, Maluku 38, West Java 54, Irian Jaya 17, West Sumatra 40, East Java 30, Jakarta 40, West Kalimantan 25, and South Kalimantan 100.

Guests from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore will attend the event as observers. (mds)