MPU Urges Aceh Governor to Accelerate Preparations for National MTQ

The Aceh Ulema Consultative Council (MPU) is urging the Governor of Aceh to accelerate preparations for the XXXIII National Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) 2028, which is set to be hosted in Indonesia’s westernmost province.

“We hope the Aceh government can immediately form the organizing committee for the 2028 National MTQ so that preparations can be more thoroughly conducted,” said the Chairman of the Aceh MPU, Tgk Faisal Ali, in Banda Aceh on Thursday.

This request was made during a meeting between Tgk Faisal Ali and the Governor of Aceh, Muzakir Manaf, to discuss various religious and social issues. The central government, through the Minister of Religious Affairs, previously designated Aceh as the host for the 2028 National MTQ via the Decree of the Minister of Religious Affairs Number 95 of 2026.

Beyond the formation of a committee, the MPU also requested that the Aceh government promptly determine the venues for the 2028 National MTQ, including the provision of supporting infrastructure and the gradual allocation of budgets throughout the preparation period.

In addition to the National MTQ, Tgk Faisal Ali expressed hope that the Aceh government would continue to prioritise the rapid handling of the impacts of hydrometeorological disasters in the province. He noted that several educational facilities, community economic facilities, public infrastructure, and residential houses still require attention, and the recovery process must be accelerated.

During the meeting, the Aceh MPU also raised concerns regarding environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities, which pose a risk of polluting rivers and damaging ecosystems. “All these matters require serious attention as they can impact public health and environmental sustainability in Aceh,” he stated.

Furthermore, Tgk Faisal Ali requested government assistance in accelerating the halal certification process for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Aceh. He emphasised that the authority regulated under local laws must be maintained as part of Aceh’s special autonomy, while simultaneously supporting the increase of regional income.