Megawati to open Koran recital

BENGKULU, Bengkulu: President Megawati Soekarnoputri is scheduled to open a preliminary Koran recital competition which will be held in Bengkulu from 12 July to 18 July, Minister for Religious Affairs Said Agil Al-Munawar said on Saturday.

"The President has paid great attention to the activity by stating her readiness to open the event," Said Agil told reporters after meeting Bengkulu Governor Hasan Zein.

The vice president usually opens the preliminary Koran recital contest, with the president officiating the start of the final stage.

For the first time, the event will feature an English category.

The Bengkulu administration has allocated Rp 22.7 billion (US$2.6 million) this fiscal year to fund the preparations for the event. Last year the province spent Rp 14 billion for the same program. -- Antara