Jakarta, 3 November(AKI/Jakarta Post) - Indonesia is hosting a three-day seminar on Islamic schools (madrassas), which was opened by the country's religious affairs minister, Suryadharma Ali, on Tuesday.

Representatives of developing countries under the E-9 grouping are attending the event, which is aimed at garnering support from member countries for a moderate model of Islamic schools.

The E-9 comprises Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Egypt, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

Ali said participants of the seminar were expected to share their experiences and offer advice to help boost the professionalism of Islamic schools, which have existed in Indonesia for centuries.

Also present for the opening day was education minister Muhammad Nuh and the director general for Islamic education at the religious affairs ministry, Moh Ali.

Seminar participants will visit the prominent Islamic school Insan Cendikia in Serpong, Tangerang, and Al Masthuriyah Islamic boarding school in the West Java district of Sukabumi.

Madrassas have been blamed for fomenting religious extremism Muslim countries, notably Pakistan and Indonesia.