Madrasas will not only produce academics who understand Islamic teachings adequately, but also have excellent science mastery.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Islamic schools (madrasas) have transformed from traditional to modern educational institutions with many achievements, thus they must no longer be underestimated, Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has said.

"They cannot be taken lightly -- currently, madrasas are more excellent compared to public schools. A lot of achievements have been achieved by madrasas. (The students of) madrasas are very competitive, thus they (the schools) have become the people's choice," he added while opening the “2022 Madrasa Science Competition (KSM)” at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah here on Monday.

He recalled a number of madrasa achievements over the past few years. For instance, Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) Insan Cendikia Serpong, South Tangerang city, Banten province, ranked first in the national average scores in the Computer-Based Exam for State University Entrance (UTBK-SBMPTN).

Most recently, MAN 2 Malang city, East Java province, bagged 11 medals at the National Science Olympiad (OSN), the highest medal tally at the competition.

These achievements must serve as an encouragement for madrasas throughout Indonesia to keep improving their quality.

"These excellences should motivate us to continue (developing ourselves) to become more advanced," the minister remarked.

Related news: Madrasahs to remain part of National Education System Bill: Ministry

Meanwhile, director general of Islamic education, M. Ali Ramdhani, noted that the “2022 KSM” is the 11th edition of the competition.

Two other activities, namely “Madrasa Young Researcher Supercamp (MYRES)” and “Madrasa Research Results Expo,” will be carried out simultaneously with the KSM.

"No less than 374 participants are competing in the (KSM) event, which is being held on October 10–14, 2022," the director general informed.

Meanwhile, the expo will showcase 36 selected innovations of superior research results of 9,220 madrasa students nationwide, he said.

The series of events aims to comprehensively improve the quality of science education at madrasas, Ramdhani added.

"Madrasas will not only produce academics who understand Islamic teachings adequately, but also have excellent science mastery," he added.

Participants at the “2022 KSM,” which is themed “Independent in Achievements Advancing the Country,” will compete in 10 subjects: mathematics, integrated natural sciences, integrated social sciences, biology, physics, chemistry, economics, and geography.
Related news: Minister seeks acceleration of digital transformation in madrasahs
Related news: Indonesian madrasahs embrace digital technology



Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2022