Negeri 5 Menara

Tittle                : Negeri Lima Menara

Author             : Ahmad Fuadi (2009)

Page                : 424 pages

The story begins with a child named Alif Fikri from Minangkabau. He has the desire to continue his studies at Bukittinggi High School, but his mother or the one who is usually called Amak, does not allow Alif to go to high school with the reason that Alif's knowledge in high school will not guarantee the understanding of religion for Alif. This caused an argument from Alif, but with a long time finally Alif agreed to continue his studies at the boarding school after considering his uncle's advice. Alif's uncle named Etek Gindo worked in Egypt, he suggested Alif to a boarding school in Java called Pondok Madani. Alif agreed to the suggestion because he was interested in the story of his uncle who is also a graduate of Pondok Madani, who is fluent in Arabic, English but also has a good future. Even though Alif was still half-hearted with his decision, Alif goes to Madani Islamic Boarding School with his father to register.

Arriving at Pondok Madani, Alif took a series of tests until he was finally accepted. During the registration and selection process Alif met with Said, Raja, Atang, Dulmajid, and Baso. The meeting was the beginning of the story of their close friendship. They support each other and complement each other. Although the regulations at Pondok Madani are very strict, they give a lot of lessons to them about the meaning of a struggle, how to manage time, and the magic of dreams. Alif and his friends always took the time to stare at the clouds from under the minaret of the mosque while discussing their respective dreams. Their habits produced a nickname for their friendship, namely Sahibul Menara. They believe in the magic of a sentence uttered by Kiyai Pondok Madani which reads "Man jaddah wa jaddah" (who is serious about it will succeed). Friendship and all the uniqueness in Pondok Madani's made Alif feel comfortable and made him begin to forget those half-hearted feelings. He began to feel the choice was right.

This novel is also very useful, full of messages of moral and religious meaning. This book is perfect for Indonesian teenagers who want to learn to dream and how to make it happen. This novel has hope for the nation's successors that they must have high aspirations and try their best to make it happen, not only for themselves but also for this nation in order to rise from adversity. Thats all of me, I hope it is useful. Thank you..