Central Java continues to mature preparations to host National MTQ
Semarang (ANTARA) - The Central Java Provincial Government is continuing to mature its preparations to host the 31st National Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ) in 202cap, which will take place in Semarang City from 11–20 September 2026.
The Assistant for Government and Public Welfare of the Central Java Provincial Secretariat, Iwanuddin Iskandar, stated in Semarang on Tuesday that a technical meeting has recently been conducted. The agenda included a presentation on Central Java’s readiness to host the 31st National MTQ in 2026, as well as the determination of participants and a technical meeting in Jakarta.
“Currently, since yesterday, we have been continuously monitoring Simpang Lima Square, which will serve as the main location,” he said.
Of the 12 competition arenas being prepared, five arenas, including the main arena at Simpang Lima Square in Semarang, are still in the process of completion. “We are directly monitoring various preparations, which have reached 80 per cent progress. The appointed third-party providers have been working at maximum capacity according to the established schedule,” he added.
He noted that the readiness of the arenas remains a primary focus, as the competition will be held across several locations. In addition to the main arena at Simpang Lima Square, other venues include the Convention Hall of the Great Mosque of Central Java, the Auditorium of Campus 3 of UIN Walisongo, the Auditorium of the Central Java Ministry of Religious Affairs Regional Office, and several buildings within the Diponegoro University complex.
Furthermore, preparations for the arrival of participants are being finalised. Following coordination by Liaison Officers (LO) with 38 provinces, it is estimated that approximately 2,833 delegations and officials will arrive in Central Java. As they may arrive with companions and other groups, the total number of people involved in the MTQN series is expected to reach 7,000.
Services for the delegations will be strengthened by involving 190 civil servants from 38 regional agencies of Central Java Province as LOs, who will accompany the delegations from arrival, throughout the activities, until their departure. To support mobility during the event, the committee is preparing 15 buses with a capacity of 50 passengers each, five box trucks, 63 minibuses, and 76 cars. This fleet will be used for the pickup, transport, and mobility of delegations, judges, clerks, and the organising committee during the competition.
Regarding health services, 24-hour care will be provided from 11 to 20 September 2026, with medical teams stationed at registration sites, the main arena, competition arenas, exhibitions, the secretariat, and delegation hotels. Referral hospitals have also been prepared, including RSUP Dr Kariadi, RS Nasional Diponegoro, RS KRMT Wongsonegoro, SMC RS Telogorejo, and RSUD Dr Adhyatma, MPH Tugurejo.