Quran Reading Competition In Ambon Reflects People's Harmony

Ambon, Maluku, June 8 (ANTARA) - The 24th national Quran Reading Competition (MTQ), which will take place here from June 8 to 15, 2012, is a shining example of the spirit of harmony between religious adherents, said a minister. Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali made this remark upon seeing an exhibition related to the MTQ here on Thursday. According to him, the harmonious relations should be further strengthened. He particularly referred to the welcoming dance to be performed during the opening ceremony of the MTQ exhibition, which will combine classical music and the tambourine. "This is a combination of the Islamic and Christian (arts)," Suryadharma noted. The MTQ organising committee will feature this dance during the opening ceremony, which will be inaugurated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday afternoon (June 8), the minister pointed out. Meanwhile, the chairman of the MTQ organising committee, Said Assagaff, announced on Wednesday that ten governors and the deputy governor of Banten, Rano Karno, have confirmed that they will attend the opening ceremony of the event. Two ships - the "KM. Pangrango" and "KRI. Nusaniwe 973" - will be used as floating hotels for accommodating the guests. KM. Pangrango and KRI. Nusaniwe 973 can accommodate 500 people and 1,056 people, respectively, Assagaff added. Governor Karel Albert Ralahalu explained that the national Quran reading competition will see participation from more than 4,000 Quran readers from across the country.