International Muslim village to be built in Indonesia

The first international Muslim village will be built, with the support of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), on 200 hectares of land provided by Yogyakarta (Indonesia) Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, Indonesian news agency ANTARA reported.

"The village would take the form of a miniature park consisting of pavilions reflecting the specific features of each OIC member country and the brotherhood among them," Indonesian presidential envoy for the Middle East and North Africa Muchrim

Hakim said during a luncheon in Yogyakarta over the weekend attended by 27 OIC ambassadors to Indonesia.

He said the construction of the pavilions, infrastructure and facilities would have the support of each OIC member country.

He hoped that the village would also serve as a cultural and art forum, a permanent trade fair and a center for improving Islam resources.

Meanwhile, according to director general for art and culture Pranoto, it has not been finally decided whether the village will be built in Piyungan or Wonokromo, Bantul district.

"It is likely that, for historical reasons, the second place would be the choice, since the spreading of Islam was started from Wonokromo," he said.

He added that although the idea on the international village came from the OIC, it is still possible for countries with a Muslim population of 1 to 10 percent of their total population to join the village.

Among the countries expected to join are China, India, Germany, Japan as well as those in North Africa and North America.