Days Away: Central Java Ready to Welcome 2,833 Delegates for 2026 National MTQ

The Central Java Provincial Government continues to mature its preparations as the host of the 31st National Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) in 2026, which will take place in Semarang City from 11–20 September 2026.

Iwanuddin Iskandar, Assistant for Governance and People’s Welfare of the Central Java Provincial Secretariat, stated that preparations are being closely monitored to ensure the entire MTQ series runs smoothly. This oversight includes the readiness of venues, delegate services, transportation, healthcare, and other requirements aimed at providing the best service to all participants.

Of the 1au 12 prepared competition venues, five locations, including the main venue at Simpang Lima Field in Semarang, are currently in the final stages of completion. “We are continuously monitoring Simpang Lima Field, which will serve as the main venue,” said Iwan during the presentation of Central Java’s readiness as the host of the 31st National MTQ in Jakarta on Monday, 31 August 2026.

He noted that the appointed third-party providers have been working at maximum capacity according to the established schedule. Venue readiness remains a priority as the competition will be held across multiple locations. Besides the main venue at Simpang Lima, other sites include the Convention Hall of the Great Mosque of Central Java, the Auditorium of Campus 3 UIN Walisongo, the Auditorium of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and several buildings within the Diponegoro University complex.

Furthermore, preparations for the arrival of participants are being finalised. Coordination between Liaison Officers (LO) and the 38 provinces estimates that approximately 2,833 delegates and officials will arrive in Central Java. Including accompanying groups, the total number of people involved in the MTQN series is expected to reach 7,000.

To manage guest services, the government is involving various stakeholders, including Regional Government Agencies (OPD) and liaison teams. Delegate services are bolstered by the involvement of 190 civil servants from 38 regional agencies in Central Java acting as liaison officers. They will accompany delegates from arrival, through the activities, until departure.

To support mobility, the committee has prepared 15 buses with a 50-passenger capacity, five box trucks, 63 Toyota Hiace units, and 76 Innova Reborn units. This fleet will be used for the pickup, transport, and mobility of delegates, judges, clerks, and committee members during the event.

Regarding healthcare, 24-hour services will be available from 11 to 20 September 2026. Medical teams will be stationed at registration sites, the main venue, competition venues, exhibitions, secretariats, and delegate 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.

In addition to the main competition, the 31st National MTQ will feature various supporting activities. An MTQ exhibition at the former ePlaza/Gama Plaza area will feature 150 booths involving ministries, agencies, 38 provinces, 35 regencies/cities, and Central Java MSMEs. Additionally, a ‘pawai ta’aruf’ (procession) is scheduled for 12 September 2026.

Other planned events include an international seminar on religious moderation at Semarang State University, the Dugderan tradition at the Semarang Kauman Great Mosque, a Rebana Festival, a Calligraphy Festival, product expos, and a job fair.

These preparations are intended not only to ensure the smooth running of the National MTQ but also to leave a positive impression on all participants during their stay in Central Java. “To all participants and all provinces across Indonesia, we serve with all our hearts. We also request the central government to provide their best contribution to the 31st National MTQ, so that Central Java, as the host, will always remain in the hearts of the participants,” Iwanuddin expressed.

Previously, the Vice Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin, emphasised that the National MTQ should not focus solely on the competition but must also deliver a positive impact on the community and the regional economy. Consequently, several supporting sectors are being prepared, including Muslim-friendly tourism and the involvement of MSME players. One such preparation is a city tour for delegates to introduce them to various tourist destinations in Central Java.

“The hope is that the local community can benefit, and the delegates can participate in city tours to promote our tourism,” said Taj Yasin.