West Java wins Koranic reading contest
JAKARTA (JP): West Java emerged as the overall winner of the week-long Koranic reading contest, which was formally closed by Vice President Try Sutrisno in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Saturday.
West Java contestants came away with top prizes in five categories, second in six categories and third in three categories, to earn the right to take home the President Soeharto Cup for the second time running. The province was the overall winner in the previous contest in Yogyakarta three years ago.
Host Riau and Jakarta both ran a close second, each winning the top prizes in five categories, but they fielded less finalists compared to West Java.
West Java and Riau shared the two most prestigious awards, for the adult contest. M. Syihabuddin won the men's category for West Java and Putri Nurmini won the women's category for Riau.
The Koranic reading contest, popularly known as MTQ, proceeded almost without a hitch. The only exception was when there were questions about the Rp 14 billion ($6.6 million) spent on staging the week long event, a sum some people considered extravagant.
Vice President Try Sutrisno, in his closing remarks on Saturday night, reminded the Moslem community in Indonesia of their obligation to help with the government's development drive, particularly in eradicating poverty and in promoting the education of the nation's children.
He said the teachings of the Koran remain relevant today at a time of rapid changes which is affecting people's lifestyle.
The Koran, he said, should be used as a source of guidance and explanation. The book also sets out the difference between what is right and what is wrong.
Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher, in his speech at the closing ceremony, said this year's contest indicates significant improvement from the previous MTQs.
He said the MTQ's chief objective is to promote people's understanding of the holy book. People should be taught reading the Koran from early childhood, he added.
An Islamic exhibition which overlapped the contest was also closed on Saturday. The exhibition drew a total of 27,000 people in seven nights, according to the Antara news agency. (emb)