KARIMUN -- Efforts to nurture a Quranic generation while strengthening Islamic values continue through the organization of the Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ). As part of its commitment to supporting religious and community activities, PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk provided assistance for the successful implementation of the Sawang Laut Village MTQ in West Kundur District, Karimun Regency.
In addition to being a Quran recitation competition, the MTQ serves as a platform for character development, improving Quran recitation skills, and strengthening Islamic brotherhood within the community.
The assistance reflects PT TIMAH's commitment to supporting religious and social activities while encouraging the development of a Quranic generation across its operational areas.
Sawang Laut Village Head Jefrizal expressed his appreciation for PT TIMAH's consistent support and participation in various community activities, including the village's annual MTQ.
According to him, the company's contribution greatly assisted the organizing committee in preparing the event, which featured 64 participants competing in various categories, including Tartil (proper Quran recitation), Tilawah (melodious Quran recitation), Syarhil Quran (Quranic speech), Fahmil Quran (Quranic quiz), and Khattil Quran (Quranic calligraphy).
"We are very grateful for PT TIMAH's continued support in helping make the Sawang Laut Village MTQ a success. The assistance provided has been extremely valuable and has greatly contributed to the smooth implementation of this year's event," he said.
He explained that for the people of Sawang Laut Village, the MTQ is much more than a Quran recitation competition. It has become an annual event that plays an important role in identifying the best male and female Quran reciters who will go on to represent the village at district, regency, and higher-level MTQ competitions.
Beyond fostering achievement, the MTQ also serves as a means of building the character of young people by encouraging a deeper love for the Quran while improving their recitation skills and understanding of Islamic values.
According to Jefrizal, the partnership between PT TIMAH and Sawang Laut Village extends beyond support for religious activities and also includes various community empowerment programs.
These initiatives include the development of white seabass farming, hydroponic farming for women's groups, waste bank management, KUB chicken farming, mangrove planting, the construction of the Tanjak monument, and support for shrimp paste production businesses.
"The partnership between PT TIMAH and the people of Sawang Laut Village has been very positive, sustainable, and has created a strong emotional bond with the community," he said.
He hopes the collaboration will continue so that even more programs can be implemented to benefit the community, particularly in the field of education.
One of the community's aspirations, Jefrizal added, is the establishment of scholarship programs for outstanding students from Sawang Laut Village who come from underprivileged families, enabling them to pursue higher education.
"We hope to see even more programs in the future that support the development of human resources, including scholarships for outstanding village students so they can achieve their dreams," he said. (*)
