REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Alquran recitation movement in colleges across the archipelago was officially launched by Indonesian Minister of Research, Technology, and Higher Education M. Nasir at the Sebelas Maret University, Solo City, Central Java, Friday night.

The launch was part of the events to commemorate the 41st anniversary of the Sebelas Maret University and also marks the declaration of a similar movement in 40 colleges across Indonesia.

"Hopefully, the Alquran recitation movement in colleges across the archipelago would be a solution to countering violence, which is increasingly disturbing," he stated in a press release in Jakarta on Saturday.

The launch event was attended by former Constitutional Court chairman Mahfud MD, former education and culture minister Muhammad Nuh, Founder of ESQ Ary Ginanjar, and Rector of the Sebelas Maret University Prof. Ravik Karsidi.

Nasir pointed out that the movement had been organized regularly since 2016. He also declared the movement along with several religious figures, such as General Chairman of the Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama KH Said Aqil Siroj and KH Ahsin Sakho Muhammad at Jakarta's College of Science of Al Quran, among others.

"I believe that by reciting Alquran, college students can strengthen their mental outlook and ward off radicalism in campuses," he emphasized. He lauded the rector of Sebelas Maret University for coordinating similar movements in 40 campuses across Indonesia.

Nuh stated that the movement was established to reward college students who could memorize the passages of Alquran. "We all want to bestow an award on anyone who is able to memorize passages of Al Quran. Currently, we were able to participate and win medals in the Olympics, and now, we also recognize and give awards to students who have been able to memorize passages of Al Quran," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Mahfud MD affirmed that college students should not only develop a rational outlook but should also work towards increasing their faith and spirituality. On a separate occasion, National Coordinator of the Al Quran Reading Movement Jazilul Fawaid expressed hope that the launch would be able to counter radicalism in campuses, prevent clashes between students, and reduce the number of cases of unhealthy relationships in colleges.

"It is part of our efforts to strengthen the intellectual outlook of students in campuses," he added.

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