The first International Musabaqah Qiraatil Kutub (MQK) is a competition to read, understand, and express the content of the yellow book comprehensively which is attended by students from all over Indonesia and Southeast Asian countries. In the perspective of social philosophy, this activity can be seen as an effort to revive the local pesantren epistemic as a force of global human civilization.
First International MKQ in Indonesia
The first International MQK was held on October 1-7, 2025 in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi. There are several important agendas based on the locality of pesantren that are carried out, namely: First, the YellowIslamic Book Reading Competition. The main agenda of the first International MQK is a yellow book reading competition that will be attended by santri from all over Indonesia, Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar, as well as representatives of Indonesian communities abroad through the Jakarta Global Network. Second, the International Ulama Halaqah. This activity will be a forum for international scholars to share knowledge and experience in understanding the yellow book.
Third, the Pesantren Independence Expo. This agenda will showcase superior products from various Islamic boarding schools, demonstrating the independence and creativity of students. Fourth,
Macanang Bershalawat. The celebration of Shalawat together will be a spiritual moment and strengthen the relationship between participants. Fifth, the Nusantara Santri Scout Camp. Scouting activities that will be attended by students from various regions, aiming to improve skills and teamwork. Sixth, the Islamic Boarding School Gathering. This agenda aims to strengthen relations between Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, and promote Islamic unity.
Epistemology and Ontology in International MQK
In philosophy, International MQK epistemologically plays an important role in understanding the content of the yellow book, while ontologically it helps to understand reality and human nature. On the basis of philosophical footing, the objectives and benefits of International MQK can be identified. First, improving the ability of students to read, understand, and express the content of the yellowclassical books. Second, to build an adaptive, inclusive, and globally oriented Islamic civilization. Third, showing the strength of Indonesian pesantren in building Islamic civilization. Fourth, to improve Indonesia's position as the epicenter of wasathiyah Islam in Southeast Asia.
Philosophical Implications in International MQK
There are three philosophical implications of the International MQK agendas. First, Knowledge Construction. International MQK can help construct knowledge based on Islamic values and local culture. Second, Criticism and Reconstruction. This activity can be a means of criticizing and reconstructing human understanding of the world and themselves. Third, Critical Thinking Development. International MQK can help develop critical and analytical thinking in understanding the content of the yellow book.
In the perspective of social philosophy, the first International MQK is a very important event in improving the ability of santri, building Islamic civilization, and showing the strength of Indonesian pesantren at the global level. Thus, this activity can be a means to revive the local pesantren epistemic as a force of global human civilization.
