31st National MTQ Serves as a Platform for Regional Integration and Development
The 31st National Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) 2026 in Semarang, Central Java, is serving as more than just an arena for Al-Qur’an recitation and memorisation competitions. The event, which runs until 20 September, is also enlivened by various supporting activities, ranging from seminars and discussions to parades and MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) exhibitions.
The Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, stated that the series of activities for the 31st National MTQ has been designed more broadly so that it is not solely oriented towards competition between delegations. “This is not just the recitation of Al-Qur’an verses, but I also attend discussions and seminars. There are approximately five to six thousand people in attendance,” said the Minister on Sunday (13/9).
A number of scholars from both domestic and international backgrounds are present at the agenda, including the Rector of Al-Azhar Cairo, Egypt. Nasarundin also highlighted developments in several MTQ competition branches this year, such as calligraphy, which has begun to utilise electronic devices.
“Most importantly for us here in Semarang, several competition branches have increased, including calligraphy. Previously, calligraphy was conventional, using colourful paints, but now it uses electronic methods,” he said. The use of technology has even been expanded to involve Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the implementation of the 31st National MTQ.
According to the Minister, the use of such technology is part of an effort to develop the MTQ implementation to keep pace with modern advancements. He also noted that the MTQ in Semarang possesses advantages in terms of location, as several activities are more concentrated, making it easier for the public, spectators, and observers to follow the various agendas.
Beyond being a competition, Nasaruddin views the National MTQ as a momentum to strengthen inter-regional relations. The meeting of delegations from various regions across Indonesia is seen as an opportunity to foster mutual acquaintance and strengthen unity. “Thus, this MTQ also serves as a gathering for various regions in Indonesia. We are competing here, but the primary goal is to know and unite one another,” he added.
Nasaruddin assessed that the event aligns with Indonesia’s need to develop human resources that possess not only proficiency in science and technology but are also equipped with good character. Meanwhile, the Governor of Central Java, Ahmad Luthfi, stated that the 31st National MTQ also provides space for regions to introduce their respective economic potential and local wisdom.
This is evident through the MSME exhibitions, which involve business actors not only from Central Java but also from various participating regions in the MTQ. “This means it is an economic potential that we develop by sharing the wisdom or potential of each respective region,” said Ahmad Luthfi.
Ahmad Luthfi noted that Central Java currently has almost 4.2 million MSMEs. In his view, the presence of participants from various regions in the MTQ can provide opportunities to expand networks and open spaces for economic collaboration. “No region is the most advanced, and no region is the most backward. We grow together,” he said.
The 31st National MTQ 2026 will continue until 20 September. In addition to inter-delegation competitions, the agenda includes seminars, discussions, parades, MSME exhibitions, and technology-based activities that bring together participants and the public from various regions.