An Indonesian National Army (TNI) soldier, Private Nawawi M.M. Latifullah, has brought immense pride to the nation by securing first place in the 30 juz Quran memorization category at the prestigious International Musabaqoh Hifdzil Qur’an (MHQ) held in Libya. This remarkable achievement underscores Indonesia’s commitment to Islamic scholarship and its rising presence on the global stage.
The triumphant victory of Private Nawawi M.M. Latifullah was announced by the Head of Inter-Service Information for the TNI Information Center, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Dedi Akhiruddin, on Sunday, March 15. “It is truly a source of pride that TNI soldier Private Nawawi M.M. Latifullah successfully became the first-place winner for 30 juz Quran memorization in the International Musabaqoh Hifdzil Qur’an (MHQ) held in Misrata City, Libya, from March 7 to 14, 2026,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Akhiruddin, highlighting the significance of the competition’s timing during the holy month of Ramadan.
In this highly competitive event, Private Nawawi showcased his exceptional Quranic memorization abilities, outperforming participants from various nations. His notable performance saw him besting delegates from countries such as Libya, Mauritania, Comoro, and Ivory Coast, alongside other fellow Indonesian representatives, solidifying his position as a true master of Quranic recitation and memorization.
Lieutenant Colonel Akhiruddin further elaborated that Nawawi’s outstanding achievement was a direct result of his superior memorization skills, which received high praise and recognition from the esteemed panel of judges. The gravitas of the competition was further amplified by the presence of several high-ranking Libyan officials, who personally witnessed the awe-inspiring display of talent and devotion.
Reflecting on his victory, Private Nawawi expressed profound gratitude for his success, attributing it to his unwavering confidence and deep knowledge of the Holy Quran. He emphasized his immense thankfulness for becoming the champion in a competition graced by distinguished dignitaries including the Prime Minister of Libya, the Commander of the Libyan Army, the Libyan Deputy Minister of Defense, and the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Armed Forces, making his win a truly memorable occasion.
The Indonesian delegation participating in the MHQ International comprised select TNI personnel who underwent a rigorous screening process before being chosen to represent Indonesia on an international platform. This meticulous selection ensured that only the most dedicated and skilled individuals would carry the nation’s flag.
The presence of the Indonesian delegation at such a prestigious event not only brought honor and a good name to Indonesia on the international stage but also coincided perfectly with the holy month of Ramadan. “This momentum saw the Indonesian delegation actively promoting the profound values of the Al-Qur’an at an international level,” Lieutenant Colonel Akhiruddin added, underlining the delegation’s role beyond mere competition.
Beyond the competitive aspect, Indonesia’s participation in the MHQ International served a broader diplomatic purpose. It is earnestly hoped that such engagements will strengthen friendly ties and foster deeper relationships with the participating nations. Furthermore, these interactions are crucial in reinforcing Indonesia’s positive image and influence within the global arena.
Lieutenant Colonel Akhiruddin reiterated this sentiment, stating, “The participation of the Indonesian delegation is expected to solidify bonds of friendship and exemplify the characteristic hospitality between Indonesia and the attending participant countries.” This exchange of culture and goodwill is vital for international cooperation.
In closing, Lieutenant Colonel Akhiruddin highlighted that these efforts collectively work towards enhancing Indonesia’s positive global perception. More significantly, they serve as a practical implementation of the core values of Pancasila, Indonesia’s foundational philosophy, particularly its first principle: Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa (Belief in One Supreme God), integrating these profound values into everyday life and international relations.