National MTQ Delegations Arrive, 13 Venues in Central Java Ready
A total of 847 participants and officials from 12 provinces have arrived in Central Java to participate in the 31st National Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ). The Central Java Provincial Government has confirmed that 13 competition venues, along with all supporting facilities, are ready for use.
The Vice Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin Maimoen, stated that as of Thursday (10/9) at 17:00 WIB, delegations from 12 provinces had reached the province. Participants will now undergo preparations before the competitions officially commence.
Taj Yasin shared this information while welcoming the Vice Governor of Southwest Papua, Ahmad Nausrau, at Tawang Station, Semarang, on Thursday evening.
“Alhamdulillah, today we have received 8ly 847 participants and officials entering Central Java, representing 12 provinces,” said Taj Yasin, who also serves as the Chairman of the Tilawatil Qur’an Development Institute (LPTQ) of Central Java.
According to Taj Yasin, the Central Java Provincial Government has prepared various necessities for the delegations, ranging from accommodation, catering, and transport to security, health posts, ambulances, medical personnel, and referral hospitals. Additionally, 15 buses have been prepared to support the mobility of the delegations, judges, committee members, and guests throughout the National MTQ.
Thirteen venues have been prepared for the competitions and supporting activities. Some of these are located in the Simpang Lima area, the Central Java Grand Mosque, the Baiturrahman Semarang Grand Mosque, and the PRPP area.
To ensure the needs of every delegation are met, the Central Java Provincial Government has also assigned one regional agency to accompany each province. For instance, the Southwest Papua delegation is being assisted by the Environmental and Forestry Service.
“Each agency is accompanying one province to host them and provide information regarding their needs during the MTQ,” said Taj Yasin.
Meanwhile, the Vice Governor of Southwest Papua, Ahmad Nausrau, expressed his appreciation for the welcome from the Central Java Provincial Government. He noted a special connection to Central Java as his wife, Ida Priyanti Nausrau, hails from Cilacap.
According to Ahmad, the National MTQ is not merely a competition but also a momentum to strengthen Islamic brotherhood, national unity, and togetherness between regions.
Southwest Papua also plans to study the organisation of the National MTQ in Central Java as a reference for a potential future bid to host the event. Raja Ampat is considered to have the potential to serve as a venue and attract participants from various regions. If realised, the National MTQ in Southwest Papua would be the first of its kind held in Papua.
Ahmad stated that the Southwest Papua delegation arrived early so that the qari and qariah (reciters) would have time to adapt and maximise their practice.
“For us, the important thing is participation. Winning or losing is secondary. The priority is how the values of the Al-Qur’an are internalised and practised in the social life of the community,” he concluded.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs is also introducing the world’s first exhibition of Al-Qur’an recitation using sign language at the 31st National MTQ in Semarang to promote inclusivity for the Deaf community.
The 31st National MTQ carries the theme: “Spreading the Light of the Qur’an in Harmony Towards a Civilised Golden Indonesia.”