Central Java MTQ Delegation Receives Development Bonuses and Umrah Prizes

“I personally am grateful to be a witness to history, seeing the MTQ flourish in Central Java,” stated Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi in a statement on Thursday (2<0xE2><0x80><0xAF>vseptember<0xE2><0x80><0xAF>2026).

He shared this sentiment while presenting awards during the ‘Jateng Bersholawat’ event, held as a thanksgiving ceremony for the 31st National MTQ at Pancasila Field, Simpang Lima, Semarang. For the first-place winners, the rewards included not only a development fund of Rp50 million but also an Umrah trip valued at Rp50 million. Second place received Rp40 million, while third place received Rp30 million. Additionally, first runner-up received Rp20 million, second runner-up Rp15 million, and third runner-up Rp10 million.

Furthermore, Baznas Central Java contributed an additional bonus of Rp282 million to the Central Java delegation. This appreciation was also extended to participants who did not secure winning titles.

At the 31st National MTQ, the Central Java delegation brought home 36 titles across various branches and categories. These achievements comprised eight first-place titles, seven second-place titles, 15 third-place titles, two first runner-up titles, two second runner-up titles, and two third runner-up titles.

One of the award recipients from Semarang, Muhammad Abdul Faqih, secured first place in the Indonesian Language Tafsir category. For Faqih, this award felt particularly special as this MTQ served as his final opportunity to compete as a participant.

“Alhamdulillah, we are very grateful. On behalf of the participants, I would like to express our deepest thanks to the Governor, the Vice Governor, the Central Java Provincial Government, and all government officials in Central Java who have supported and ensured our success as the beloved Central Java delegation,” he said.

Previously, Faqih had represented Central Java in the 30-juz memorisation category and achieved a national first-place title. In the 31st MTQ, he took on a new challenge in the Indonesian Language Tafsir category, which once again led him to the top of the podium.

“Alhamdulillah, I am very grateful that I moved to the Tafsir category and was awarded first place,” he remarked. According to Faqigu, the addition of the Umrah prize for first-place winners is a form of attention that motivates him to continue deepening his study of the Al-Qur’an.

Similarly, a participant from Rembang Regency, Zumrotul Luthfiyyah, achieved first place in the Women’s English Language Tafsir category. She expressed appreciation for the Central Java Provincial Government, noting that the value of the award was not merely about the monetary amount.

Zumrotul expressed her happiness that appreciation was also given to participants who did not win. “Alhamdulillah, I am very happy with the appreciation provided by the Governor,” she said.

Zumrotul’s achievement was a significant personal milestone. She had previously competed in the 10-juz and 20-juz Tahfiz categories. During the 2024 National MTQ, she competed in English Tafsir and finished as a third runner-up. Two years later, returning to the same category, she achieved a much better result by securing first place.

“I believe this was the most difficult category I have ever participated in,” she stated. According to Zumrotul, such achievements do not happen overnight, as participants must prepare themselves long before the competition begins. She hopes that the training for future MTQ participants can begin much earlier, focusing not only on skill but also on the comfort and mental readiness of the participants before they perform.