MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Medan Mayor, Rico Waas, has unveiled a new strategic direction in the development of Qur'an reciters (Qari and Qariah), signaling a shift toward digital preservation and broader public access to their performances. The initiative aims to transform competition-based achievements into lasting cultural works available through digital platforms.
The announcement was made during the official send-off of the Medan contingent (Kafilah) participating in the 40th Provincial Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur'an (MTQ) 2026 in North Sumatra. The ceremony took place on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Meeting Room III of Medan City Hall, attended by
LPTQ Medan Chair M. Sofyan and Chief Organizer H. Damri Tambunan.
New Direction for MTQ Development in MedanRico Waas emphasized that the city government is shifting its approach from purely competitive outcomes to long-term talent development and public appreciation of Qur'anic recitation.
He noted that participants should not only be trained for contests but also gain recognition beyond the event itself.
"It should not end at the competition stage. Their voices must continue to be heard and recognized. We are preparing a Murottal album that will ideally be available on streaming platforms," said Rico Waas.
Qur'an Recitation Goes Digital StrategyThe mayor further highlighted the importance of digital transformation in promoting Qur'anic recitation. According to him, recordings of Qari and Qariah will be professionally produced, compiled into a Murottal album, and distributed through various digital channels.
He stressed that this approach represents both recognition and a modern method of religious dissemination, allowing the message of the Qur'an to reach a wider audience without geographical limitations.
"Their voices must be known. We also have a network of mosques where these Murottal recordings can be played. This is part of religious outreach and pride for Medan," he added.
Health Protection and Spiritual MotivationBeyond artistic development, Rico also instructed the Medan Health Office to ensure optimal health monitoring for participants throughout the approximately ten-day MTQ event. Regular medical checks and proper nutrition were emphasized to maintain peak performance.
He also reminded the contingent of Medan's strong track record, having secured nine consecutive overall championship titles at the provincial level, urging participants to maintain motivation rather than complacency.
Rico concluded by underscoring the spiritual responsibility of the participants as ambassadors of the Qur'an, encouraging them to deliver recitations that bring peace and inspire reflection.
"Let your voices move hearts, bring calm, and guide people closer to God," he said.
This initiative reflects Medan's continued commitment to developing not only MTQ champions but also a modern digital ecosystem for Islamic cultural advancement. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala