negeri 5 menara

a country with 5 minarets is a new book, published recently by Gramedia Pustaka Utama, a giant publisher in Indonesia. This book actually a fiction based on a true story about a friendship in a pesantren called "Pondok Madani" in East Java. Since the author is alumnus from Pondok Modern Gontor (Darussalaam is a real name of this pesantren, it means vilage of peace) . The story inspired by his own experiences there !.

By reading this novel, the readers will knows some social value systems of Pondok Madani. The book described mosaic of cadres in making for modern ulama's. Alumnus of this pesantren not only become a kyai/religious leader but also other professions such us journalists, lecturers, lawyers, traders, bussiness men, teachers and so on.

How to study english and arabic ! How about night patrol for santri ! Qeue up or to line up in take a meal, take a bath, and other activities in this "shaolin temple" ! The readers will know from protagonis view of Alif, a teenager from West Sumatra who travelled to seek Islamic studies in Pesantren. There is also a "Tyson" in this book, name given for a staff of Security Section of Students Organization of Pondok Madani with Thyson's look but with sportive behavior.