West Java wins Koranic reading contest
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)