Vibrancy of the 31st National MTQ: From Rebana Festival to Halal Exhibition
The 31st National Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ) in Semarang, Central Java, on Wednesday (16/09/2026), features much more than just Quranic recitation competitions. A variety of activities are being held, ranging from the Rebana Festival, involving groups from various regions, to exhibitions for halal food, MSMEs, and handicrafts.
These diverse activities create a more vibrant atmosphere while providing a platform for local artists and entrepreneurs to introduce their works and products. The presence of participants, chaperones, and visitors from various regions also presents an opportunity to stimulate economic activity during the MTQ proceedings.
The Syauqul Qolbi rebana group performed in the Rebana Festival competition at the Pancasila Field, Simpang Lima, Semarang, on Wednesday. This festival, part of the 31st National MTQ involving 40 groups from across Indonesia, serves as a space for appreciating traditional arts and preserving Islamic cultural traditions, promoting the chanting of shalawat, and strengthening religious dissemination in an engaging way for the wider public and the younger generation.
In conjunction with the MTQ, the Semarang City Government, in collaboration with the local Baznas, is organising a halal-certified culinary exhibition as part of the Halal Food Fest 2026 at Plaza Simpang Lima. This initiative serves as a platform for Small and Medium Industries (IKM) and MSMEs to market halal products, leveraging the presence of delegations, contingents, and visitors from across Indonesia to ensure local flagship products gain wider national recognition.
Visitors also browsed clothing accessories at the MSME and Craft Exhibition during the 31st National MTQ 2026 at Gajah Mada Field, Semarang. The Ministry of Religious Affairs projects that the hosting of the 31st National MTQ 2026 could generate an economic turnover of up to Rp1.2 trillion due to the presence of thousands of participants, officials, and guests, while simultaneously driving MSME activities through bazaars and halal products, and opening opportunities for business network and market expansion.