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)