Koranic reading contest ends

PEKANBARU, Riau: A Koranic reading contest for journalists from the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) concluded on Friday with Indonesia and the Philippines winning the two top prizes.

Wardas Tanjung of Indonesia won the men's category while Potri Salacayan of the Philippines won the women's category. They each won a free trip to Mecca for the haj pilgrimage and $5,000 in cash, Antara reported.

The men's runner up was Hasan Fauzi of Indonesia and the women's runner up was Lawan Sorsewee of Thailand; they each won a free trip to Mecca outside the haj season $3,500 cash.

The contest, designed to strengthen ties between Moslem journalists in the region, was closed by Minister of Information Harmoko. Brunei will host the next contest in 1997. (03)