Politician launches haj book

Politician launches haj book

JAKARTA: Golkar legislator Baharuddin Aritonang launched his
book titled Orang Batak Naik Haji (A Batak goes on the haj
pilgrimage) at a modest ceremony here on Monday.

The 216-page book recounts Aritonang's religious experience
during his pilgrimage to Mecca and Medinah in February of this
year.

Speaking at a discussion at the book launch, Aritonang said
the book encouraged readers to discuss various issues ranging
from the national economy to sectarian conflicts.

Aritonang acknowledged that his book was inspired by Danarto's
earlier novel Orang Jawa Naik Haji (A Javanese goes on the haj
pilgrimage).

Muslim scholar Komaruddin Hidayat, who wrote the book's
introduction, hoped that the book would inspire other politicians
who have gone to Mecca to behave better.

Aritonang, who graduated from the Department of Pharmacology
at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, is preparing to write a
book on medicine. --JP