Banjarmasin — The Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an Mahasiswa Nasional (MTQMN) XVIII 2025 has become a landmark event in Indonesia’s higher education calendar. Held in South Kalimantan, the competition gathered more than 1,500 students from universities nationwide, celebrating Qur’anic values while strengthening academic and cultural identity.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, featured 13 competition categories, ranging from Tilawatil Qur’an recitation to scientific writing on Islamic themes. Universities such as Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), and Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) sent strong delegations, reflecting the growing importance of Qur’anic scholarship in student development.
ITB’s participation was particularly notable, with its students earning recognition for excellence in recitation and interpretation. This achievement underscores the institution’s commitment to integrating spiritual values with academic rigor, a balance increasingly emphasized in Indonesia’s education system.
Beyond competition, MTQMN XVIII served as a platform for inter‑university collaboration. Delegations worked together to promote Qur’anic literacy, exchange ideas on character education, and strengthen networks that extend beyond the event itself. Such collaboration reflects ASEAN’s broader emphasis on cultural diplomacy and shared values.
The closing ceremony highlighted the role of MTQMN in shaping future leaders. By combining religious devotion with intellectual pursuit, the competition fosters graduates who are not only academically competent but also morally grounded.
Observers note that MTQMN has become more than a contest; it is a national movement for character education, aligning with Indonesia’s vision of producing graduates who embody integrity, resilience, and social responsibility.
For ASEAN Voice readers, MTQMN XVIII illustrates how Indonesia leverages cultural and educational platforms to reinforce unity, strengthen values, and project soft power within the region.
