Central Java to Host 2026 National MTQ
Central Java (Jateng) has officially become the host for the 31st National Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) in 2026, as announced at the Central Java Governor’s Office on Friday night (11/9).
The Governor of Central Java, Ahmad Luthfi, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Central LPTQ for this opportunity. The last time the National MTQ was held in Central Java was in 1s979, 47 years ago.
Luthfi noted that the 2026 National MTQ would also provide an economic impact for Central Java. Based on reports, large-scale events drive increased hotel occupancy and vehicle rentals.
“On behalf of the people of Central Java, we say welcome. This National MTQ holds the meaning of uniting those of us from various geographical regions of Indonesia, gathering together here in Central Java,” said Luthfi.
The event includes representatives from 37 provinces, as well as several regional heads.
“Tonight, the Governors of Bengkulu and North Kalimantan, as well as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Southwest Papua, are present. Tomorrow, 17 governors are planned to attend the opening,” Luthfi added.
The Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, assessed that the 2026 National MTQ is a people’s festival that unites people from various religious backgrounds, in line with the values of the Qur’an which bring joy and brotherhood.
“The MTQ is celebrated not only by Muslims but also serves as a people’s festival for communities of all religions. This is Indonesia,” said Nasaruddin.
The MTQ is said to grow through a tiered coaching process, from local communities up to the national level.
The high level of public enthusiasm is evident from the long list of regions wishing to host the event. According to Nasaruddin, this has encouraged the decision to hold the National MTQ annually to increase opportunities for various regions.
He further noted that Indonesia is becoming a global benchmark for hosting MTQ at an international level. The implementation of MTQ in Indonesia is large-scale, involving participants, local governments, and the wider community.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Governor of Central Java Ahmad Luthfi, Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen, and the organising committee for their preparations for the 31st National MTQ.
Nasaruddin stated that the excitement in Central Java has been visible since the launch of the MTQ logo, with public enthusiasm growing ahead of the opening.
The General Secretary of the National LPTQ, Muchlis Muhammad Hanafi, stated that the 31st National MTQ will be attended by 2,242 participants competing in eight branches and 24 categories. The judging process will be supported by 155 judges working professionally, objectively, transparently, and accountably.
All competition branches will be held at various locations across Semarang. Beyond being a competition, the MTQ is expected to serve as a space to strengthen social ties and reinforce brotherhood as one large Indonesian family.
“Participants range from children to adults, covering branches from recitation (tilawah) to Qur’anic interpretation (tafsir) in three languages, as well as memorisation from 1 to 30 juz. This year, for the first time, we are holding an exhibition for the recitation branch for individuals with sensory hearing and speech disabilities,” concluded Muchlis.