Central Java Prepares to Host National MTQ 2026, Venues Being Rushed

The event, scheduled for 11-20 September 2026 in Semarang, is expected to be attended by 8,000 participants from 38 provinces across Indonesia.

Central Java Provincial Secretary, Sumarno, stated that the series of activities for the event includes the arrival and registration of delegations from 11-12 September 2026, the opening ceremony on 12 September 2026, the competition from 13-19 September 2026, the closing on 19 September 2026, and the departure of delegations on 20 September 2026.

Sumarno mentioned that a logo, mascot, and theme have been prepared for the event.

“The logo, mascot, and proposed theme will be submitted to the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia for approval and designation,” Sumarno said in his statement on Monday (20/4/2026).

He made these remarks during the Coordinating Meeting of the National MTQ XXXI Committee for 2026, held at the Grhadika Bakti Praja Building in Semarang.

He explained that the MTQ logo depicts the harmony between Islamic spirituality, Javanese cultural wisdom, and the identity of Semarang City. According to him, the MTQ is not merely a competition but a momentum to build a Qur’anic generation that is knowledgeable, moral, and cultured.

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin, expressed full support for all stages of the National MTQ implementation.

“The implementation of this MTQ should not only succeed in terms of the event and achievements, but equally important is how it succeeds in boosting economic growth in the community, especially for MSME actors,” he said.

He stated that the arrival of thousands of guests is estimated to increase economic growth in Central Java. Therefore, it needs to be prepared as best as possible.

“Moreover, there will be accompanying events as proposed by Semarang City, including rebana festivals, mini dugderan, religious preaching, and others,” he revealed.

Taj Yasin urged all parties to support the National MTQ to run successfully, smoothly, orderly, safely, and in accordance with national standards.

“To the committee, provide prime service so that Central Java is known as a friendly and professional host,” he said.

On the other hand, Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng said that Semarang City is ready to be the centre of the event’s implementation. In fact, there are separate events prepared to welcome the series of the National MTQ organisation.

“We propose a MURI record for the largest number of people singing the MTQ anthem at the opening. It will involve students, santri, and women from study groups,” she said.

The locations for the opening and closing activities are at Simpang Lima Field. Meanwhile, the Ta’aruf Night and MTQ Exhibition will be at the Central Java Governor’s Office courtyard. The Ta’aruf Parade will start from the Semarang City Hall courtyard and finish at the Central Java Governor’s Office courtyard.

Furthermore, the venues for the Musabaqah/competition include Simpang Lima Field in Semarang; the Kreasi Studio at the Vocational and Productivity Training Centre (BPVP) of the Ministry of Manpower; the Convention Hall of the Great Mosque of Central Java; the Baiturrahman Mosque Hall; the Mayor’s Official Residence in Semarang; the Auditorium of the Central Java Provincial Ministry of Religious Affairs Office; the Hall of Wahana Graha of the Central Java Provincial Transportation Office; the Sasana Widyapraja Hall of the Central Java Provincial Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDMD); the Semeru Building of BP2KLK Semarang; the Auditorium of UIN Walisongo Campus 3; the Prof. Soedarto Building, and the Imam Bardjo Building on the Diponegoro University (Undip) campus in Semarang.