XVIII MTQMN Meeting: Synergy for a More Inclusive Student MTQ
Banjarmasin — Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) once again demonstrated its role as an active host in strengthening national-level religious activities. Through the Student Affairs Meeting for the XVIII National Student Qur’an Recitation Competition (MTQMN), ULM facilitated a crucial forum that brought together student affairs leaders from various universities across Indonesia.
The event, held on Tuesday (October 7, 2025) at Swiss-Belhotel Banjarmasin, carried the theme “Collaboration between Universities to Strengthen the National Student MTQ,” and served as a strategic space for discussion, evaluation, and formulation of steps to develop the National Student MTQ in the future. The seminar opened with a traditional Banua cultural performance, namely the Radap Rahayu and Madihin dances by Ahmad Sya’rani, M.Ag., which successfully enlivened the atmosphere and captivated the attention of the invited guests.
In his report, the Chairperson of the 18th MTQMN Organizing Committee and Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni of ULM, Dr. Muhammad Rusmin Nuryadin, SE., M.Sc., expressed his appreciation to all university leaders in attendance. He emphasized the importance of this forum for fostering evaluation and innovation in the implementation of future MTQMNs.
“This forum provides a shared space to improve and strengthen the implementation of the Student MTQ in the future. We thank all participants who have contributed to this collaborative forum,” he said.
Dr. Rusmin emphasized that ULM, as the host of the 18th MTQMN in 2025, is committed to presenting an event that is not only technically successful but also positively impacts the character and spiritual development of students throughout Indonesia.
“We are honored to host the 18th MTQMN. Through this activity, ULM strives to foster synergy between universities and foster a spirit of grounding the Quran in the campus environment,” he said.
ULM also emphasized that organizing student religious activities such as the National Student Qualifications (MTQMN) is part of the university’s efforts to encourage character development, strengthen the values of religious moderation, and expand student participation at the national level.
At the forum, Mr. Jobih, a representative from the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs (Belmawa) of the Directorate General of Higher Education, presented the new policy directions of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. One of these policies is the plan to add a special competition branch for students with disabilities at the next MTQMN.
“We are considering establishing a competition branch for students with disabilities so that they can also be facilitated and actively participate in the National Student MTQ activities. This forum is the right place to gather suggestions and input from universities,” he explained.
This initiative was welcomed by the participants, who considered it a concrete manifestation of the government and universities’ commitment to realizing an inclusive and equitable MTQ. ULM also stated its readiness to support and collaborate in the technical development and development of competition mechanisms for students with disabilities in the future. In addition to discussing the technical aspects of the event, the seminar also provided an opportunity for university leaders to share experiences in fostering student interests, talents, and achievements in the religious field.
This activity was part of the 2025 MTQMN XVIII at Lambung Mangkurat University, which involved 194 universities and more than 1,500 participants from across Indonesia. ULM hopes that through this activity, the synergy between universities and the government can be further strengthened to produce a Quranic generation that is intelligent, character-based, and globally competitive.
“We believe that activities like this are not just about competitions, but also about building Islamic and national values among students,” said Dr. Rusmin in his remarks.
With a spirit of collaboration and inclusivity, Lambung Mangkurat University continues to strengthen its role as a university that excels not only academically but also actively promotes the instilling of Quranic values ​​within the university environment.
