2026 National MTQ in Central Java to Serve as Promotion Platform for MSMEs from 35 Provinces
The National MTQ event will be centred in Semarang City from 11 to 20 September 2026. The MSME exhibition for the 31st National MTQ opened today at Gama Plaza, the former E Plaza parking lot, Semarang.
Central Java Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen stated that involving MSMEs from various regions reflects Central Java’s openness as the host. The momentum of the National MTQ is considered an opportunity to introduce business products from across the archipelago to the public and guests visiting Central Java.
“We do not want to progress alone. We also want to introduce the MSMEs that exist throughout the archipelago,” said Taj Yasin in a statement on Saturday (12/9/2026).
He shared this following his attendance at the National MTQ XXXI Taaruf Night at the Central Java Governor’s Office courtyard on Friday (11/9).
Taj Yasin, who also serves as the Committee Chairman and General Chairman of the Quran Recitation Development Institute (LPTQ) of Central Java, explained that the MSME bazaar will be one part of the National MTQ series. Business actors from various provinces will have the opportunity to offer and introduce their superior products to the public and guests arriving in Central Java.
With this concept, the National MTQ will not only be an event that brings together participants from all over Indonesia in competition, but also a gathering for MSME products from various regions.
Taj Yasin hopes that the presence of MSME players from 35 provinces can expand promotional opportunities and open new market possibilities. For Central Java, this momentum is also an opportunity to introduce the region’s economic potential to people from various parts of Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, mentioned that the MTQ in Indonesia has developed far beyond a mere competition, even becoming part of the community tradition from the grassroots to the national level.
Nasaruddin revealed that this character is one of Indonesia’s special features. The MTQ tradition grows hierarchically from the community level up to the national level, with wide involvement from various regions.
“One of the characteristics of Indonesia is that the MTQ is very lively. Abroad, organising an MTQ might be at the sub-district or regency level. But here, it goes from the bottom to the top,” he said.
The scale of participation is evident in the organisation of the 31st National MTQ in Semarang. Nasaruddin noted that the number of participants this year is the highest due to the inclusion of several new competition branches. The opening of the National MTQ is also planned to be attended by at least 17 governors, with several other regional heads to be represented.
He also expressed his appreciation for Central Java’s readiness to host. According to him, the return of the National MTQ to Semarang after 47 years is a significant momentum for this year’s event.
“This is the first time a Taaruf night has seen so many governors attending; usually, they only attend the opening. This is a sign of success,” concluded Nasaruddin.