THERE is no doubt that being able to read and write the Quran is good. But when a region requires its people to be able to read and write the Quran, and even makes it a condition of attending junior high school, this should be questioned.

It happened in Padang, West Sumatra, and will most likely happen in Padang Pariaman regency, in the same province. In 2003, Padangs city council issued Regional Regulation No. 6/2003 regarding this requirement. Ho