Semarang Mayor Seeks Ulama Support to Ensure Success of 31st National MTQ
Semarang Mayor, Agustina Wilujeng, conducted a series of courtesy visits to several ulama in Semarang on Wednesday, 1 April 2026. This activity is part of the Semarang City Government’s efforts to strengthen relations with religious figures while seeking support to ensure the success of the 31st National Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ), scheduled to take place in September 2026.
The series of visits began at the Assodiqiyah Islamic Boarding School, led by Sodiq Hamzah. Subsequently, Agustina visited the Addainuriyah 2 Sendangguwo Islamic Boarding School, headed by Dzikron Abdullah, and paid a courtesy call to the residence of Ali Mufiz.
On this occasion, Agustina emphasised that this courtesy visit is not merely a ceremonial agenda, but a concrete step to build more intensive communication between the government and ulama. She hopes that in the future, not only sub-district heads and village heads will conduct visits, but also regional apparatus from various sectors, including public welfare and education.
Agustina also highlighted the importance of the ulama’s role in providing guidance regarding the organisation of the MTQ. According to her, although the government has prepared various technical aspects, understanding the values and traditions of the MTQ still requires input from the kiai. “We seek guidance, support, and advice so that the implementation of the MTQ runs in accordance with its religious substance,” she stated.
Furthermore, she mentioned that the 31st National MTQ is estimated to be attended by around 11,000 participants and escorts from across Indonesia. The presence of thousands of guests is believed to have a positive impact on the local economy, particularly in the hospitality, culinary, and transportation sectors.
Nevertheless, Agustina stressed that Semarang City’s readiness should not only be viewed from the infrastructure side, but also from the comfort and experience of the guests during their stay in the city. She considers synergy with various parties, including Nahdlatul Ulama and the managers of the Central Java Grand Mosque, to be an important factor in realising this.
At the end of the visit, Agustina also conveyed Eid al-Fitr greetings to the entire community, especially the ulama. She hopes that the Lebaran momentum will be a good start to strengthen dedication and improve performance together.
Through this courtesy visit, the Semarang City Government reaffirms its commitment to building close collaboration with religious figures, while ensuring readiness as the host of a national event expected to bring broad positive impacts to the community.