Jakarta, NU Online
Indonesian First Lady Mme. Ani Bambang Yudhoyono will officially open an annual Islamic Book Fair at the Gelora Bung Karno sports stadium, Jakarta, on Saturday.

The First Lady will be accompanied by Mrs. Mufidah Yusuf Kalla, the wife of Vice President Yusuf Kalla, at the opening ceremony of the book fair, chairman of the Islamic Book Fair (IBF) organizing committee, Tatang Sundesyah, said here on Friday.

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Their presence reflected their appreciation for the IBF’s implementation and efforts to encourage the public’s reading habit.

The Islamic Book Fair’s theme this year is "The Beauty of Syariah (Islamic Laws) in Life".

"It’s our hope that the books will be a sourcce of knowledge and thus enlighten and motivate the public," he said.

As reprted by Antara news agency, the book fair will last until March 11, 2007. A total of 112 book publishers will take part in the fair which will have 167 stands.

They will present quality books and give interesting discounts, Sundesyah said.

"I hope IBF can become a means for the public to gain access to knowledge on religions and other topics," he said.

The IBF will also involve a number of public figures such as Abdullah Gymnastiar, Teh Ninih, Neno Warisman, Anneke Putri, Marissa Haque, Rano Karno and Zaskia Adya Mecca.

Prominent authors such as Quraish Shihab, Habiburrahman El Farazy and Khaled M Abou El Fadl are also expected to appear at the book fair. (dar)