Inauguration of the 18th National Student Quran Recitation Competition (MTQMN) Judges Marks the Start of the Student Quran Competition at ULM

Banjarmasin – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) once again demonstrated its commitment to strengthening Islamic propagation within the university environment by holding the inauguration of the 18th National Student Quran Recitation Competition (MTQMN) 2025 Judges on Sunday evening (October 5, 2025) at the Mahligai Pancasila Hall, Banjarmasin. The Director General of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Khairul Munadi, ST., M.Eng., was present to inaugurate the Judges.

This event, part of the official series of the 18th MTQMN, also included a social gathering among the delegation, the committee, and the university leadership. The event was solemn and full of camaraderie. Also in attendance were the Director of Belmawa Dikti, Dr. Berry Juliandi, M.Si., and the Assistant for Economic and Development Affairs of South Kalimantan Province, Dr. Ir. Ariadi Noor, representing the Governor of South Kalimantan.

In his remarks, Rector Prof. Dr. H. Ahmad Alim Bachri, S.E., M.Si., expressed his gratitude and honor for the trust placed in ULM as host of the 18th MTQMN 2025.

“We are here together at Mahligai Pancasila as part of a series of MTQMN activities. On behalf of the ULM academic community, I extend a warm welcome to all the participants participating in the MTQMN in Banjarmasin, the land of Lambung Mangkurat. It is an honor and a source of pride for us that ULM has been entrusted by the Ministry of Education and Science and Technology to host the event,” he said.

The Rector also expressed his appreciation to all parties who have contributed to the implementation of this national event, including the committee, the local government, and the people of South Kalimantan.

“Your presence is an honor for ULM in organizing the propagation of Islam through the 2025 MTQMN (National Qualifications and Religious Qualifications) (MTQMN). We are confident that the presence of the ulama, panel of judges, and delegations from across Indonesia will bring blessings to ULM and the Banua community. Grounding the Quran as a means of da’wah is our shared obligation. Hopefully, the MTQMN will run as well as possible and benefit the community,” said the Rector.

He also emphasized that ULM is committed to becoming a university that excels not only academically but also firmly holds the spiritual and moral values of the Quran.

“We invite all participants and the community to contribute to the success of the 2025 MTQMN XVIII and to use this event as a momentum to strengthen our love for the Quran. With the support of all parties, God willing, ULM can provide the best possible event for the nation,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Assistant for Economic Affairs and Development of South Kalimantan Province, Dr. Ir. Ariadi Noor, representing the Governor of South Kalimantan, expressed his appreciation for the holding of this national event in Banua.

“Alhamdulillah, we can gather here for the inauguration of the 2025 MTQMN Judges in South Kalimantan. It is a source of pride for our region to host this national event that upholds the values of the Quran. This event is very strategic in fostering a Quranic generation that is intelligent, virtuous, and capable of bringing the spirit of Islam into the lives of the community,” he said.

He also expressed the South Kalimantan Provincial Government’s full support for education and religious activities on campus. “We believe that the Quranic generation is a strong force for this nation, especially amidst rapid technological advances. May this event bring blessings and inspire the entire community,” he added.

The inauguration of the 2025 MTQMN XVIII Judges marks the beginning of all competition categories, which will take place from October 5–9, 2025, at various ULM buildings in Banjarmasin and Banjarbaru. This event serves not only as a competition but also as a means to strengthen Islamic brotherhood among students from various universities across Indonesia. As host, Lambung Mangkurat University affirms its commitment to continuously presenting activities oriented towards strengthening religious, academic, and national values. ULM hopes that the XVIII MTQMN 2025 can be a crucial momentum in developing a young generation of Quranic scholars towards a Golden Indonesia 2045.