Scores of Indonesian pesantren leaders invited to Japan

Tokyo, NU Online
The government of Japan invited at least 11 leaders of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in Indonesia to go around many places in Japan in enjoying cultural objects and holding talks with local religious leaders in the country.

Director General of Public Relation and Culture of the Foreign Affairs Department of Japan Monji reported here on Thursday.<>

"The welcoming reception for the pesantren leaders is on 10 November ahead in Tokyo Prince Hotel," Monji said.

The pesantren leaders will reportedly be arriving in Tokyo on coming 9 November and is scheduled to return home on 19 November following their ten-day visit to go around some six big cities in Japan.

Among the leaders are Sutejo (Pesantren Minhajuth, Sorong, West Papua), M Zen Hamzah (Pesantren Harisul Khairaat, Tidore, Ternate, North Maluku), Muhdi Alhadar (Pesantren Al Khairaat, Ternate, North Maluku), Sudirman Ambal (Pesantren Hidayatullah, Sorong West Papua), Rizma Ilfi Yahya (Pesantren Darunnajah Jakarta), Yusdiansyah Yunus (Pesantren Darussalam Sangkubang, Pontianak, West Kalimantan), M Adib Fuadi and Mashudi (Pesantren Gontor, Ponorogo, East Java), M Badruddin Zarkasy (Pesantren Nurul Musthofa, Klaten, Central Jawa); Murodi (State Islamic University, Jakarta); and Tasman (State Islamic University, Jakarta).

While the big cities they will visit are Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Osaka. They will also meet with top officials of the Japan's Department of Foreign Affairs, visit senior high schools, take a look at a car "Toyota" corporation, hold talks with ex-monk leader of Todaiji Temple in Nara.

In addition, the pesantren leaders will also hold meetings with Indonesian society in Tokyo and Oska. (mkf)