The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, through its Agency for Religious Moderation and Human Resource Development (BMBPSDM), has launched an ambitious program titled ‘Membumikan Al-Qur’an di Nusantara’ as part of the efforts during Ramadan 1446 H/2025 M. This initiative aims to make the holy Al-Qur’an accessible by translating it to 30 regional languages across Indonesia, facilitating broader and more nuanced comprehension of its sacred messages.
On February 28, 2025, the program was officially presented, with BMBPSDM's head, Muhammad Ali Ramdhani, emphasizing the initiative's role within the Ministry’s commitment to improve religious literacy among Indonesians. He stated, "Harapan kami, program ini tidak hanya membantu umat memahami Al-Qur’an dalam bahasa daerahnya, tetapi juga menggali kearifan lokal serta membangun kebanggaan nasional.” Such sentiments highlight not only the objective of enlightening citizens about the Quran but also fostering pride through cultural engagement.
The program is set to present daily three-minute videos during Ramadan, showcasing professional recitations by local qariahs. Each video will be paired with translations done in the local dialects, ensuring the nuances of the Quran's teachings resonate more personally with viewers. Ahmad Zainul Hamdi, the Secretary of BMBPSDM, reiterated the importance of including regional dialects, saying, "Setiap hari selama Ramadhan, kami akan menayangkan satu terjemahan dalam bahasa daerah yang berbeda. Harapannya, umat Islam dari berbagai suku dapat lebih mudah memahami kandungan Al-Qur’an dalam bahasa ibu mereka." This highlights the program’s careful attention to regional diversity.
The languages covered range from Gorontalo and Banyumasan Java to Sundanese, Dayak Kayanatn, Bugis, Minang, and Acehnese, making it one of the most inclusive Quran translation initiatives to date. The involvement of native speakers during translation and recitation ensures authenticity, preserving local dialects and cultures as integral parts of the program. Muhammad Ali Ramdhani remarked, "Dengan begitu, semangat membumikan pesan langit benar-benar hadir dalam wajah Nusantara,” indicating the initiative's ambition to weave religious messages positively and harmoniously within Indonesia’s diverse cultural fabric.
This initiative does not merely aim at translation; it seeks to encapsulate and respect the deep-rooted traditions, beliefs, and dialects of Indonesia’s myriad communities. By offering the Quran's teachings through the lens of local cultures, the program endeavors to deepen the connection between the text and its readers, making the sacred accessible and relatable.
Every day during Ramadan, one regional translation will be broadcast across multiple official BMBPSDM social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. This modern approach is aimed at reaching audiences where they are, utilizing popular media channels to spread knowledge and engage more deeply with the Quran.
With the launch of ‘Membumikan Al-Qur’an di Nusantara’, the Ramadan of 1446 H/2025 M promises to be not just a period of fasting, but also one of learning and cultural dialogue, facilitating both education and reflection among Muslims across Indonesia. The initiative encourages all to embrace and understand the Quran through their mother tongues, and to reassess their heritage under the guiding light of the teachings found within the Quran.
Overall, the Ministry’s initiative resonates well with the country’s multicultural identity, promoting inclusivity and appreciation for local wisdom, reflecting the overarching values of harmony within diversity. Through efforts like these, the Ministry of Religious Affairs not only advances religious literacy but also strengthens the threads of unity among the diverse populations of Indonesia.