Indonesia hosts seminar on Islamic schools

JAKARTA: Indonesia is hosting a three-day seminar on Islamic schools (madrassa), which was opened Tuesday by the Religious Affairs Minister, Suryadharma Ali.

Representatives of countries of the E-9 group are attending the event, which is aimed at promoting modern models of Islamic schools seeking support from member countries.

The E-9 comprises Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Egypt, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

Suryadharma said seminar participants would share their ideas to help boost the professionalism of Islamic schools, which have existed in Indonesia for centuries.

Also present were Education Minister Muhammad Nuh and the director general for Islamic education at the Religious Affairs Ministry, Moh. Ali. - JP