MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – North Sumatra is preparing to host the Provincial Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ) 2026 from June 15 to 25 at the Astaka Complex on Jalan Willem Iskandar (Pancing), Deli Serdang Regency. The annual event is regarded as one of the province's most significant religious programs aimed at promoting Islamic values and fostering a deeper appreciation of the Quran.
The competition will also serve as the official selection process for the province's best participants who will represent North Sumatra at the National MTQ 2026 in Semarang, Central Java.
Thousands of contestants from across North Sumatra are expected to take part in the event. Beyond the competition itself, the MTQ seeks to strengthen public understanding and love of the Quran while nurturing a new generation of accomplished Quran reciters.
Several venues have been prepared for the event, including the Astaka Complex as the main venue, the North Sumatra Youth and Sports Agency Hall, and the campus of the State Islamic University of North Sumatra.
The information was conveyed by Burhanuddin Damanik, Second Deputy Chairman of the North Sumatra Quran Recitation Development Institute (LPTQ), during a press conference held at the foyer of the Dekranasda Building within the North Sumatra Governor's Office complex.
According to Burhanuddin, the provincial MTQ plays a strategic role in identifying and preparing the region's most talented participants for national-level competition.
"Besides serving as a platform for strengthening Islamic values, the provincial MTQ is expected to produce outstanding delegates capable of representing North Sumatra successfully at the national level," he said.
TOP-FIVE TARGET: Burhanuddin Damanik stated that North Sumatra is aiming for a top-five finish at the National MTQ 2026. The target is supported by sustainable talent development programs and strengthened performance in key competition categories. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
North Sumatra Eyes Top-Five National Ranking
North Sumatra has set an ambitious target for the National MTQ 2026 in Semarang, aiming to secure a place among Indonesia's top five provinces.
The target reflects ongoing efforts to improve the province's performance after finishing eighth overall at the 30th National MTQ in East Kalimantan. Over the past several years, various coaching and development programs have been implemented to enhance participants' skills and competitiveness.
"Our goal is to finish among the top five provinces at the National MTQ in Semarang," Burhanuddin emphasized.
He explained that LPTQ North Sumatra continues to intensify talent development programs across regencies and municipalities. These initiatives focus on improving Quran recitation techniques, understanding Quranic interpretation, Islamic calligraphy, and the delivery of Islamic messages in various competition categories.
Burhanuddin noted that the results of these programs have been encouraging, providing confidence that North Sumatra can surpass its previous national achievements.
He highlighted Syarhil Quran, Tilawah, and Calligraphy as disciplines with strong potential, citing them as traditional strengths of North Sumatra that could play a key role in achieving the province's target.
1,109 Participants to Compete Across 28 Categories
The 2026 North Sumatra MTQ will feature 1,109 participants representing 28 regencies and cities across the province. Contestants will compete in eight branches comprising a total of 28 categories.
The large number of participants reflects the strong enthusiasm and commitment of local governments and communities toward the development of Quranic education and Islamic values.
"The delegation traveling the farthest comes from Gunungsitoli," Burhanuddin said.
Participation from remote and island regions demonstrates the widespread support for the MTQ throughout North Sumatra. Organizers have prepared comprehensive facilities and support services to ensure participants can compete under optimal conditions.
In addition to the competition, the event will provide opportunities for participants, coaches, and officials from different regions to exchange experiences and strengthen networks.
Long-Term Development Remains a Priority
Burhanuddin stressed that the MTQ is far more than a competition to determine winners. It is an integral part of a long-term strategy to cultivate a sustainable Quranic culture across generations.
He emphasized that success at the national level depends heavily on continuous development efforts at both regional and provincial levels. Therefore, LPTQ North Sumatra encourages all regencies and municipalities to expand training programs for qari, qariah, hafiz, hafizah, mufassir, and other MTQ participants.
Through sustained coaching and development, the province hopes to produce young people who not only recite and understand the Quran correctly but also apply its values in their daily lives.
Burhanuddin expressed hope that MTQ North Sumatra 2026 would serve as a catalyst for strengthening religious values within society while contributing to the development of capable and character-driven young generations.
He also called on the public to actively support and attend the 11-day event in Deli Serdang, particularly encouraging young people to deepen their connection with the Quran and embrace Islamic values in everyday life.
With broad community support, North Sumatra remains optimistic about hosting a successful provincial MTQ and building a strong delegation for the National MTQ 2026 in Semarang. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala