Minister Opens Alkhairaat Congress In Palu

Palu, Central Java, Feb 10 (Antara) - Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali officially opened the Tenth Congress of Alkhairaat Islamic educational foundation here, on Monday. In his opening remarks, the minister stated that the nation is facing both character-related and moral problems, and religious and cultural education are required to address them. He noted that everybody should be convinced that the religious education that has been implemented so far is on the right track. The Islamic boarding schools can help develop good morals, and only by having noble morals and culture can Indonesia achieve progress, he added. On the occasion, the minister was accompanied by Social Affairs Minister Salim Segaf Aljufri, Central Sulawesi Governor Longki Djanggola, Chairman of the Alkhairaat Executive Board Habib Saggaf Aljufri, Chairman of the Alkhairaat education foundation Fadel Muhammad, and Palu Mayor Rusdi Mastura. Habib Saffaf Aljufri pointed out that Alkhairaat is committed to building a strong moral background and character among the people through education. Established 82 years ago, Alkhairaat has set up more than 1.7 thousand educational institutions and is the largest Islamic educational institution in eastern Indonesia.