Indonesia Expands Quran Accessibility Through Regional Translations

IQNA – Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced a new initiative aimed at making the Quran more accessible through translations in 30 regional languages.

Launched by the Agency for Religious Moderation and Human Resource Development (BMBPSDM), the program, ‘Membumikan Al-Qur’an di Nusantara’ is part of efforts during Ramadan 1446 AH/2025 CE to enhance religious literacy across diverse linguistic communities, the Pinnacle Gazette reported on Saturday.

The initiative was officially announced on February 28, 2025. According to BMBPSDM head Muhammad Ali Ramdhani, the program is designed to improve understanding of the Quran while preserving local wisdom and fostering national pride.

During Ramadan, three-minute daily videos featuring Quran recitations by local qaris will be released, each accompanied by translations in a different regional language.

BMBPSDM Secretary Ahmad Zainul Hamdi said that the translations aim to make Quranic teachings more accessible in native dialects, ensuring a deeper connection for speakers of various languages.

Among the languages included are Gorontalo, Banyumasan Java, Sundanese, Dayak Kayanatn, Bugis, Minang, and Acehnese. Native speakers play a central role in both translation and recitation to maintain authenticity and cultural integrity.

To maximize outreach, the program’s content will be distributed through digital platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, aligning with contemporary media trends.

By incorporating regional languages, the initiative seeks to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, reinforcing religious education while celebrating Indonesia’s diverse heritage.

Source: Agencies