National Qur'an Recitation Competition XXXI Launched in Semarang, Championing Harmony and Tolerance Towards a Golden Indonesia

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar and Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi launched the logo, theme, and mascot for the 31st National Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) at the Grand Mosque of Central Java Convention Hall on Thursday. The launch marks the beginning of final preparations for the event, which will be held in Semarang from 11 to 20 September 2026. The event was also attended by Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Central Java Tilawatil Qur’an Development Institute (LPTQ) Taj Yasin Maimoen, Regional Secretary Sumarno, Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti, Deputy Mayor Iswar Aminuddin, Chairman of the Central Java Baznas Ahmad Darodji, Chairman of the Central Java MUI Nur Achmad, and several other religious and community leaders. The MTQ Nasional XXXI carries the theme ‘Spreading the Light of the Qur’an in Harmony Towards a Civilised Golden Indonesia’. The theme reflects the hope that the values of the Qur’an will become a guide in building a harmonious, tolerant, just, and civilised life towards the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision. The logo, selected through an open competition, features a white and green gunungan wayang design combined with various icons of Semarang City. It represents the cultural values, diversity, and harmony that characterise Central Java as a miniature of Indonesia. The mascot, named Saqur or ‘Sahabat Qur’an’ (Friend of the Qur’an), depicts a young Indonesian generation that is religious, intelligent, creative, spirited, and noble. Saqur is expected to symbolise the spirit of the younger generation in understanding and practising the values of the Qur’an. Minister Nasaruddin Umar stated that the event would feature several innovations not seen in previous MTQ competitions. In addition to the main tilawah competitions and other Qur’anic branches, the committee has prepared supporting activities including seminars, exhibitions, a rebana competition, a fashion show, a job fair, and city tours. He also noted that international scholars and Qur’anic experts would be invited to contribute their knowledge. The Minister emphasised that the MTQ is not only the largest and most festive Qur’anic festival in Indonesia but also a vital space for strengthening tolerance and national unity. He added that the event would provide a significant economic boost to the host region, as it is expected to attract tens to hundreds of thousands of participants, companions, and visitors from across the country, stimulating the hotel, culinary, transportation, and bazaar sectors. Governor Ahmad Luthfi expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in Central Java to host the national event. He stated that the theme of harmony and tolerance is highly relevant to the province, which is known as one of the most tolerant in Indonesia. He described Central Java as a miniature of Indonesia with its cultural, religious, and traditional diversity, and expressed his hope that all participants would experience a peaceful atmosphere during their stay. The Governor also called on all regents and mayors in the province to fully support the event’s success and confirmed that preparations led by Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen are underway, with continuous evaluations to ensure a maximum experience for all participants. He noted that the trust to host the MTQ demonstrates that Central Java is increasingly recognised as a destination for national and international-scale events, adding that the competition will not only impact the religious sector but also drive micro, small, and medium enterprises, strengthen cultural exchange, and enhance the image of Semarang and Central Java nationally.