Catholic Priest Appointed as Head of MTQ Committee in Labuan Bajo

A Catholic priest in Labuan Bajo, Richardus Manggu, has been elected as the Chair of the Organising Committee for the 31st District-level Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Richard serves as the Vicar General (Vikjen) of the Labuan Bajo Diocese. He also holds the position of Chair of the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB) in West Manggarai.

Richard was elected during a committee formation meeting for the 31st District-level MTQ in West Manggarai, held in Labuan Bajo on Tuesday (7/6/2026). The meeting was chaired by Fransiskus Xaverius Nambut, Head of the Regional Welfare Section (Kesra) of the West Manggarai District Secretariat.

“As the General Chair, Father Richard Manggu, Pr,” said Fransiskus while reading out the composition of the 31st District-level MTQ Organising Committee in West Manggarai.

In addition to Richard, several Christian and Muslim figures have been appointed to the committee for the event. The committee formation meeting was attended by Assistant for Government and Regional Welfare Agustinus Gias, representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of West Manggarai, Chair of the Qur’an Reciters Association (LPTQ) of West Manggarai Syarif Malik, representatives from various Regional Office Units (OPD), the National Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) of West Manggarai, religious leaders, and community figures.

Also present were representatives from the West Manggarai Police Resort, the 1630/West Manggarai Military District Command, and the Navy. The 31st District-level MTQ in West Manggarai will be held over five days, from 27 April to 1 May 2026. “The MTQ will take place at the Nurul Falah Mosque in Wae Mata, Labuan Lajo,” said Fransiskus.

In a separate confirmation, Richard welcomed his appointment as the MTQ committee chair. The choice by Muslim leaders to appoint him demonstrates the open and tolerant face of West Manggarai.

“I greatly appreciate the recognition from Muslim leaders, and as Chair of the FKUB in West Manggarai, I will strive to meet everyone’s expectations: affirming West Manggarai’s commitment to openness and tolerance, while on the other hand, showcasing the inclusive and open face of the Labuan Bajo Diocese,” said Richard via WhatsApp message.