National MTQ Ta'aruf Parade in Central Java Showcases Indonesia's Diversity
Semarang (ANTARA) - The Ta’arund Parade for the 31st National Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) 2026, which traversed several main roads in Semarang, Central Java, on Saturday, served as a colossal stage showcasing Indonesia’s cultural diversity.
A variety of traditional attire, cultural ornaments, music, and drum band performances coloured the parade, which is part of the series of activities for the 31st National MTQ.
At least 46 defiles from various provinces in Indonesia, regencies, cities, as well as agencies and institutions in Central Java participated in the parade, which covered a route of approximately 2.5 kilometres, from Semarang City Hall to the courtyard of the Central Java Governor’s Office.
The parade began with an energetic performance by the drum band or Taruna Music Corps (Korsiktar) of the AMNI Maritime University (Unimar AMNI) Semarang, which immediately enlivened the atmosphere before the regional defile groups passed through.
Following this, the defiles displayed their respective regional identities one by one, with traditional clothing and cultural symbols from across Indonesia blending into a single procession.
In addition to the participating provinces of the National MTQ, several regions and institutions in Central Java also joined the festivities, including a defile from the Semarang City Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), which featured representatives from various religions.
Enthusiasm was evident from the public, who lined the parade route to witness the procession, capture the performances, and cheer as the groups passed by.
[The official] also expressed gratitude to the 35 regencies and cities in Central Java that sent defiles to enliven the 31st National MTQ Ta’aruf Parade.
According to him, the Ta’aruf parade serves as a space to showcase the culture and customs of various regions, while simultaneously bringing diversity together in a single moment of the National MTQ.
“We want to display the cultures of various regions, to unite in building this Indonesia through the National MTQ,” said Gus Yasin, his familiar nickname.
He added that the festivity of the parade also demonstrates that the MTQ can serve as a space for togetherness, regardless of differences in ethnicity, race, or religion.
“We know that this is a blessing for us all; without looking at tribe, race, or religion, everyone gathers, we are united,” he said.
The Head of the Central Papua Delegation, Wahyu Budi Santoso, stated that his group displayed traditional attire from Central Papua, including the Cenderawasih bird symbol, which is known as a distinctive identity of Papua.
“In this Ta’aruf parade activity, we are showcasing the traditional clothing of Central Papua,” he said.
One participant from Central Papua, Emi Titin Indrawati, explained that the clothing and equipment worn by the group represented the culture of Mimika Regency and several tribes in Central Papua.