Amazing Ramadhan 1444 H Bersama Al Siddiq International School
By Yusuf Yudhana
Why Is There a Solid Team?
The Solid Team of Al Siddiq International School was officially formed in early January 2023, under the supervision of the Chairman of the Al Siddiq International Foundation. By mid-February, the team began to occupy the school’s main building, which was still in the process of being equipped and finalized by the Foundation.
While waiting for the full completion of staff recruitment, this team—according to the Foundation’s decree—was essentially the Student Admissions Team (PPDB). Naturally, its main target was to recruit as many new students as possible. As emphasized by the Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees: “Do not only focus on new students, but also accept transfer students.”
As a completely new educational institution, Al Siddiq International School Bekasi is not a branch of any existing school, nor does it have branches elsewhere. It is a brand-new school that officially opened student admissions in 2023 for Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior High levels.
Amazing Ramadhan 1444 H
Two weeks before Ramadhan, in the midst of admission campaigns and field activities, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees visited with a fresh idea and a bold strategy:
“Go ahead and organize a Qur’an Memorization Competition (Mushabaqah Hifzhil Qur’an) at the Bekasi City level.”
What thrilled us even more was his directive that all participants would be rewarded, with a total prize fund of 100 million rupiah.
Like new energy coursing through our veins, we immediately formed a technical committee for the event. The competition was then announced across Bekasi City and surrounding areas. Within just 48 hours, registration reached 300 participants. Due to overwhelming enthusiasm and limited capacity, we had to close registration at that number.
The competition was divided into four categories:
Kindergarten (selected Juz ‘Amma)
Primary 1 (Grades 1–3): 1 Juz (Juz 30)
Primary 2 (Grades 4–6): 2 Juz (29 and 30)
Junior High: 3 Juz (28, 29, and 30)
The event consisted of three stages: Preliminary Selection, Elimination Round, and the Grand Final. The first two stages were held at the Al Siddiq International School campus, with participants assessed by an experienced panel of judges—including several PhD scholars.
From these stages, 80 of the best participants advanced to the Grand Final, held on 17 Ramadhan at the Bellavista Hall (just 300 meters from the school). On that day, each finalist performed at their best, until finally, the judges selected 24 winners across all categories—separately for boys and girls—ranking them from first to third place. With the credibility of judges including Qur’an memorizers (Huffaz) of doctoral level, the accuracy of the winners’ recitations was beyond question.
The event was also highly appreciated by local institutions such as the Bekasi City LPTQ (Institute for Qur’anic Development). Its chairman noted: “There has never been a Qur’an competition in which 80 participants reached the final.” Moreover, for the first time, non-winning finalists were awarded financial support. In fact, 56 finalists each received a development grant of Rp500,000.
A Shining Star Named Daniel
Among the winners was Daniel Satria Ramadhan, the champion of the Junior High category. Who is Daniel? He is a student from the Integrated Disability Junior High School of Bekasi City. Daniel is visually impaired.
He learned to read the Qur’an using Braille Qur’an editions, supported by audio resources from YouTube and Qur’an applications, under the guidance of his school teacher.
By the will of Allah, Daniel won first place in the boys’ Junior High category. His victory surprised many, proving that limitations did not hinder him from excelling in Qur’an memorization.
Daniel’s success serves as a powerful reminder to all of us, blessed with full physical abilities, to be even more grateful and diligent in our efforts to memorize and live by the Qur’an.
Ramadhan That Remains Amazing
This Ramadhan was truly special: a new team, a new school, and a mission to find new students—accompanied by unexpected blessings from Allah.
We were able to explore our full potential, travel across Bekasi City to reach new families, and contribute to the world of education. Truly, Allah has blessed us with opportunities to build and grow this school, supported wholeheartedly by many dedicated individuals.
Of course, the search for new students is ongoing, and imperfections remain, for perfection belongs only to Allah. But we firmly believe:
“My strengths belong to the team, and my shortcomings will be covered by the team.”
Congratulations to the Solid Team of Al Siddiq International School
For us, Syawal is the milestone of new beginnings and future success.