New Initiative In Tanjungpinang: School Registration Requires Al-Qur'an Certificates

TANJUNGPINANG - The Tanjungpinang City Education Office, Riau Islands, requires prospective students from elementary and junior high school who are Muslim to include a Koran recitation certificate in the New Student Admission System (SPMB) process for the 2025/2026 school year.

"The Koran certificate is a requirement to enter school. It has been stated in the technical instructions of this year's SPMB," said Head of the Tanjungpinang Education and Educational Participants Section, Inderi Zamar in Tanjungpinang, Antara, Sunday, May 18.

Inderi explained that Koran certificates can be obtained from Qur'an teaching institutions such as the Qur'an Education Park (TPQ) or similar institutions.

Meanwhile, for children who study to recite the Koran privately at home, parents can attach a written certificate or statement stating that the child is actively studying Koran at home.

"The certificate or statement letter was attached during the registration of new students," he said.

This policy is part of the program of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Tanjungpinang, Lis Darmansyah and Raja Ariza, to encourage the formation of children based on the Qur'an.

"The Tanjungpinang City Government wants to revive the Koran movement for children, so that they grow up to become a generation that loves and understands the Qur'an," explained Inderi.

More than just reading ability, he said, this policy aims so that the values in the Qur'an can be applied in everyday life by students.

Inderi emphasized that the success of this program is not only on the shoulders of the government, but is a shared responsibility. "Building the child's character cannot be one-sided. The composition is 40 percent of parents, 35 percent of the government, and 25 percent of the environment," he said.

He also asked for prayers and support from all elements of society so that this policy can run well and provide long-term benefits.

"If consistently implemented, God willing, in the next 5 to 10 years, we can see the younger generation who make the Qur'an a guideline for their lives," he concluded.