RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s national Quranic competition, the 55th Pekan Tilawatil Qur’an (PTQ) organized by Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI), entered its Grand Final stage in Jakarta, Friday 27 February 2026, featuring participants from across the archipelago. The annual event, first launched in 1968, continues to serve as a platform for promoting Quranic literacy through Indonesia’s public broadcasting network.

Finalists advanced through a rigorous selection process at local and regional levels before reaching the national round in Jakarta. The system ensures representation from diverse provinces in Southeast Asia’s largest Muslim-majority country.

The Grand Final is divided into four categories: Tausiah (religious sermon), Tahfidz (Quran memorization), Tilawah (Quran recitation), and Tartil Sensorik for visually impaired participants. In each category, three male and three female finalists compete for the national title.

In the Tahfidz category, contestants are given four questions requiring precise continuation or identification of Quranic verses. A bell system is applied during judging, where a single ring signals an error and prompts immediate correction.

Dr. KH. Muhsin Salim, MA, a member of the judging panel for the Tartil category, said all finalists had undergone serious preparation before reaching the national stage. “They have prepared themselves thoroughly, just like participants in national MTQ or STQ competitions. For this RRI event, they have truly prepared their abilities,” he stated.

He explained that assessments are based on four key criteria to ensure fairness and technical accuracy. “There are four aspects evaluated: tajwid accuracy, fluency and precision, melody, and voice quality. Whoever best fulfills these criteria will deserve first place,” he said.

Muhsin also encouraged participants who may not win this year to remain persistent and continue refining their skills. “Those who have not succeeded this year can return next year, as long as they keep practicing and focus on mastering the four assessment criteria,” he conveyed.

Organizers emphasized that PTQ RRI is not merely a competition but a long-term character-building initiative that nurtures discipline, confidence, and spiritual commitment. As Indonesia blends religious tradition with modern broadcasting technology, the 55th PTQ reflects the continued vitality of Quranic arts in the digital era.