North Kalimantan's 10th MTQ in Malinau Becomes a Momentum to Strengthen Tolerance and Local Economy
The 10th Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) at provincial level in North Kalimantan (Kaltara), held in Malinau Regency from 28 June to 3 July 2026, has demonstrated that the proclamation of the Qur’an can strengthen tolerance within a multicultural society, whilst also driving economic activity through MSMEs and reaffirming a commitment to building a Qur’anic generation.
Malinau’s success as host is seen as proof that religious, ethnic and cultural diversity is not an obstacle to staging a large-scale religious event, but rather a unifying strength that brings together all elements of society.
The Regent of Malinau, Wempi W. Mawa, stressed that the MTQ must be understood as more than merely a Qur’anic recitation competition. “Hosting the MTQ is a mandate we welcome with gratitude as well as responsibility. This trust is an honour for all the people of Malinau to provide the best possible service and staging,” said Wempi.
He said the Malinau Regency Government had prepared all the event’s requirements to the fullest, from five competition arenas to accommodation and transport for the delegations, with budgetary support of around Rp2 billion. This support was given because, in his view, the MTQ forms part of a long-term strategy to build religious and principled human resources.
“We continue to strengthen the development of LPTQ, provide support to tahfidz houses, TPA and TPQ, improve the quality of religious human resources, and strengthen synergy with the Ministry of Religious Affairs,” he said.
Wempi affirmed that the successful staging of the MTQ also demonstrates the strong culture of tolerance that has long flourished in Malinau. “This MTQ is not only a source of pride for Muslims, but for all the people of Malinau Regency. This event is proof that tolerance, brotherhood and togetherness have become a culture we continue to nurture.”
Similar appreciation was expressed by Indonesian international qari Syamsuri Firdaus, who said he was impressed by the enthusiasm of the people of Malinau, even though the region does not have a Muslim-majority population. “Alhamdulillah, the MTQ here has been very festive. What is remarkable is that Malinau, with a background of a non-Muslim-majority community, was able to stage an event like this and be such an excellent host,” said Syamsuri.
He explained that the staging of the MTQ in Malinau is a tangible example of diversity serving as a glue for unity. “I have seen an extraordinary spirit among the people. This shows that diversity is not an obstacle, but rather a strength for working together to make the MTQ a success,” he said.
He expressed hope that the 10th Kaltara MTQ in Malinau Regency would produce an accomplished Qur’anic generation, one that takes the Qur’an as a guide for life. “What matters most is not only reciting the Qur’an well, but also understanding and practising its contents in daily life.”
Closing the series of events, the Deputy Regent of Malinau, Jakaria, stressed that the success of the MTQ represents an investment in developing human resources who are faithful, virtuous and of good character.
“We hope that what we have presented has brought comfort to all the guests in attendance. If in the future we are given the same opportunity again, Insyaallah we will provide an even better service,” he said.
The success of the 10th Kaltara MTQ is not measured solely by the champions it produced, but by its ability to make the proclamation of the Qur’an a binder of tolerance, a strengthener of brotherhood, a driver of the people’s economy, and simultaneously a foundation for inclusive and harmonious regional development.
On the other hand, the staging of the MTQ has also delivered a tangible economic impact. The number of MSME traders rose from around 60–70 stalls to approximately 100 stalls during the event. Thousands of visitors from all regencies and cities across Kaltara, as well as invited guests, helped drive trading activity and increase people’s incomes.