**Título:** Saudi-Backed Quran Contest Concludes in Indonesia

**Intro:** The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance wrapped up its Holy Quran competition in Indonesia, with 60 participants from 53 religious institutions competing. Eighteen finalists earned awards at the ceremony, attended by Saudi and Indonesian officials, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s global efforts to foster Islamic education and cultural ties.

**Factbox:**
– **Organizer:** Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs + State Islamic Institute of Surakarta.
– **Participants:** 60 contestants (53 institutions).
– **Awards:** 18 winners recognized.
– **Attendees:** Saudi envoy Ahmed Al-Hazmi, military/civilian officials, Islamic reps.
– **Context:** Part of Saudi Arabia’s global Islamic outreach via embassies.

**Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs Concludes Holy Quran Competition in Indonesia, Celebrating Global Islamic Education**

*Surakarta, Indonesia – October 30, 2023* – The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance of Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the State Islamic Institute of Surakarta (IAIN Surakarta), marked the successful conclusion of the Holy Quran memorization and recitation competition in Indonesia. The prestigious event, held under Saudi Arabia’s global cultural outreach initiatives, showcased the talents of 60 contestants from 53 religious institutions across the country, culminating in 18 outstanding participants earning top honors.

### **A Celebration of Quranic Excellence**
The competition, designed to foster a deeper connection with the Holy Quran among Muslim communities, saw fierce yet respectful rivalry among Indonesia’s brightest students of Islamic scholarship. Participants were evaluated on criteria including memorization accuracy, Tajweed (Quranic recitation rules), and melodic delivery. The 18 winners, recognized across multiple categories, received awards reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to nurturing Quranic education worldwide.

### **High-Profile Closing Ceremony**
The closing ceremony drew distinguished guests, including:
– **Mr. Ahmed Al-Hazmi**, Religious Attaché of the Saudi Embassy in Indonesia.
– Representatives from Indonesia’s religious, military, and civilian sectors.
– Leaders of Islamic institutions and academic figures from IAIN Surakarta.

In his address, Mr. Al-Hazmi emphasized Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in promoting Islamic values. “This competition embodies the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving the Quran’s teachings and uniting Muslims through education and cultural exchange,” he stated.

### **Strengthening Saudi-Indonesia Religious Ties**
The event underscores the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ ongoing efforts to collaborate with nations worldwide through Quranic initiatives. By partnering with local institutions like IAIN Surakarta, Saudi Arabia aims to empower youth with Islamic knowledge while reinforcing cross-cultural understanding.

This competition aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing global cultural diplomacy and positioning the Kingdom as a beacon of moderate Islamic values. Similar programs are being organized in partnership with Saudi embassies across Asia, Africa, and Europe, reflecting the Ministry’s expansive strategy to support Muslim communities and promote Quranic literacy internationally.

### **A Legacy of Global Outreach**
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has long championed projects that bridge cultures through faith. From sponsoring Quranic centers to translating Islamic texts, Saudi Arabia continues to invest in initiatives that educate millions about Islam’s teachings. The Indonesia competition not only celebrates Quranic mastery but also strengthens the enduring spiritual bond between Saudi Arabia and the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.

*For more updates on Saudi Arabia’s global religious and cultural programs, visit the Ministry’s official portal or follow their social media channels.*

**15 FAQs on the Holy Quran Competition in Indonesia (October 30, 2023):**

1. **What was the primary objective of the Holy Quran competition organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in Indonesia?**
The competition aimed to promote Quranic education, foster cultural exchange, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s global efforts to support Islamic learning through collaborative initiatives.

2. **How many contestants and religious institutions participated in the final qualifiers of the competition?**
A total of 60 contestants from 53 religious institutions across Indonesia competed in the final qualifiers for top honors in recitation and memorization.

3. **Which notable figures attended the closing ceremony of the Quran competition in Indonesia?**
Key attendees included Religious Attaché Ahmed Al-Hazmi from Saudi Arabia’s embassy, military and civilian officials, and representatives from Indonesian Islamic institutions.

4. **What role did the State Islamic Institute of Surakarta play in organizing this event?**
The institute collaborated with the Saudi Ministry to coordinate logistics, participant selection, and academic oversight, ensuring adherence to Quranic recitation standards.

5. **How were the 18 winners selected, and what criteria were used for judging?**
Winners were evaluated based on memorization accuracy, Tajweed (recitation rules), and vocal clarity by a panel of Quranic scholars and experts.

6. **What types of prizes or recognitions were awarded to the winners of the competition?**
Prizes included certificates, monetary awards, and opportunities for further Quranic studies, aimed at encouraging continued excellence in Islamic education.

7. **How does this competition align with Saudi Arabia’s broader cultural and religious initiatives globally?**
It reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting Islamic values through partnerships with embassies and institutions worldwide, fostering intercultural dialogue.

8. **Are there plans to expand similar Quran competitions to other countries in collaboration with Saudi embassies?**
Yes, the Ministry frequently organizes such events globally, leveraging Saudi diplomatic missions to nurture Quranic education and cross-cultural engagement.

9. **How does the Ministry of Islamic Affairs collaborate with international institutions for these competitions?**
The Ministry partners with local religious bodies, universities, and embassies to ensure cultural relevance, academic rigor, and community participation.

10. **What long-term impact does the Ministry aim to achieve through such Quranic competitions?**
The goal is to inspire youth engagement with the Quran, preserve Islamic heritage, and build bridges between Saudi Arabia and Muslim communities worldwide.

11. **How does this event contribute to Indonesia’s Islamic education landscape specifically?**
It elevates Quranic scholarship standards, provides recognition for institutions, and encourages grassroots participation in religious learning.

12. **Were there any challenges in organizing this competition, and how were they addressed?**
Logistical coordination across 53 institutions was managed through partnerships with local organizers and digital tools for fair participant evaluation.

13. **Can students from non-participating countries compete in future editions of this competition?**
While this event focused on Indonesia, the Ministry hosts similar global competitions open to international participants through embassy-led initiatives.

14. **How are Saudi embassies involved in promoting Quranic activities like this competition?**
Embassies facilitate partnerships, sponsor events, and coordinate with host countries to align initiatives with local cultural and educational needs.

15. **Where can interested individuals or institutions find updates about future Quran competitions organized by the Ministry?**
Updates are shared via the Ministry’s official website, Saudi embassies’ social media channels, and partner institutions’ announcements globally.

**🔹 CTA (Llamado a la Acción):**
“¿Te gustaría ser parte de iniciativas que promueven la cultura y educación islámica a nivel global? **¡Súmate a los esfuerzos del Ministerio de Asuntos Islámicos, Dawah y Orientación!** Visita nuestro sitio web para conocer más sobre nuestros programas, competencias internacionales y proyectos culturales. 🌍📖 [Más Información Aquí].”

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**🔹 Conclusión:**
La competencia del Sagrado Corán en Indonesia no solo destacó el talento y dedicación de 60 participantes de 53 instituciones religiosas, sino que también reforzó los lazos culturales y espirituales entre Arabia Saudita y el mundo islámico. Al reconocer a 18 ganadores, este evento subraya el compromiso del Reino por preservar y difundir los valores coránicos, fomentando un diálogo intercultural que trasciende fronteras. Iniciativas como esta, en colaboración con embajadas e instituciones académicas, son un faro de unidad y aprendizaje para las futuras generaciones.

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**🔹 Agradecimiento:**
Agradecemos profundamente al **Instituto Estatal Islámico de Surakarta** y a la **Embajada de Arabia Saudita en Indonesia**, especialmente al attaché religioso **Ahmed Al-Hazmi**, por su colaboración excepcional en la organización de este evento. También extendemos nuestro reconocimiento a los participantes, jurados, autoridades civiles y militares, y a todas las instituciones que hicieron posible este encuentro inspirador. ¡Su pasión por el Corán enriquece nuestro camino colectivo hacia la excelencia espiritual y educativa!

*#CulturaIslámica #EducaciónGlobal* 🕌📚