Delegations from Various Regions Arrive for National MTQ in Semarang

Delegations from various regions across Indonesia have begun arriving in the city of Semarang, Central Java, to participate in the 31st National Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ), held from 11–20 September 2026.

“Alhamdulillah, today we have received 847 participants and officials entering Central Java,” stated the Vice Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin Maimoen, in Semarang on Thursday night (10/09/2026). He was welcoming the arrival of the Vice Governor of Southwest Papua, Ahmad Nausrau, who accompanied the delegation, at Tawang Station, Semarang.

The Southwest Papua delegation arrived first, while the governor, the Speaker of the Regional House of Representatives, and the provincial regional secretary are scheduled to follow on Friday (11/09/2026).

As of Thursday, 847 participants and officials from 12 provinces have arrived, and 13 arenas have been prepared for the competitions and supporting activities. The welcoming atmosphere was warm. Following the arrival, Taj Yasin and Ahmad sat together in the VIP lounge of Tawang Station.

The conversation between the two was fluid, alternating between several languages, including Indonesian, Javanese, and Arabic, interspersed with smiles and laughter.

A bond was further established when Ahmad shared that he had previously studied at Al-Azhar University in Egypt. He also shares a personal connection with Central Java, as his wife, Ida Priyanti Nausrau, hails from Cilacap Regency, Central Java.

Speaking in Javanese, Ahmad mentioned that his visit this time is not only to accompany the Southwest Papua delegation to the National MTQ but also feels like returning to his ancestral roots.

“I am coming home. My wife is Javanese, from Cilacap. Clearly, this is not just about participating in the MTQ, but also about returning home,” he said.