The Habibies donate Rp1b for mosque

The Habibies donate Rp1b for mosque

MANADO, North Sulawesi: President B.J. Habibie and his family
have donated Rp 1 billion for the Rp 4 billion renovation of the
ancient Grand Mosque Gorontalo, Antara said on Sunday.

The news agency quoted Gorontalo Mayor Medi Botutihe as saying
that some Rp 2.2 billion had been raised for the renovation of
the mosque, which was constructed in 1728. Some of the fund was
donated by Gorontalo people in Jakarta, including renowned
businessman Rachmat Gobel.

The mayor said Habibie was scheduled to officiate the
reopening of the mosque next month, as well as inaugurate a
senior high school, an Islamic boarding school and an irrigation
system.

Local administration spokesman Ismail Rahim said king Botutihe
built the mosque, one of four mosques to mark the coming of Islam
to the region. (swe)