MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – North Sumatra Governor, Bobby Nasution, has reaffirmed his expectation that the Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur'an (MTQ) at the provincial level should not be viewed merely as an annual ceremonial event. Instead, it must serve as a strategic platform to sustainably strengthen Qur'anic outreach (syiar) within society.
Bobby made the statement following the inauguration of the new board of the Lembaga Pengembangan Tilawatil Qur'an (LPTQ) of North Sumatra for the 2026–2030 term, as well as the appointment of the supervisory and judging panels for the 40th MTQ. The ceremony was held at the Raja Inal Siregar Hall, Governor's Office in Medan.
MTQ Should Go Beyond Formal CeremonyThe governor emphasized that this year's MTQ marks the first edition held under his leadership alongside Deputy Governor Surya. For this reason, he urged that the event deliver broader social benefits.
"We do not want MTQ to be merely a ceremonial event or something that changes with political transitions. What matters is that it becomes a genuine medium for Qur'anic syiar in North Sumatra," Bobby said.
He also criticized the perception that MTQ is only a short-term event that ends after several days, stressing that its values should be embedded in the daily lives of the Muslim community.
LPTQ BOARD INSTALLATION: Governor Bobby Nasution delivers remarks during the inauguration of the LPTQ board and MTQ 40 judges in Medan on Sunday, June 14, 2026. (PHOTO: YT. Hariono)
Strengthening Spiritual Values Amid Regional ChallengesBobby further highlighted various regional challenges, including a number of natural disasters across parts of North Sumatra. According to him, these issues require not only technical and scientific responses but also stronger spiritual grounding.
"Alongside physical and scientific efforts, we must also turn to Allah and strengthen Islamic principles as our guidance," he stated.
He underlined that the integration of scientific approaches and spiritual values is essential in maintaining social stability and improving disaster resilience.
LPTQ Urged to Work Year-RoundThe governor also instructed the LPTQ to remain active throughout the year rather than only during MTQ preparations. He called for continuous programs such as monthly Qur'an recitations, public religious lectures, and community prayers across all districts and cities.
"The LPTQ is not an institution that works once a year. Its programs must run continuously so that society truly benefits from Qur'anic syiar," he said.
He expressed hope that this sustained effort would nurture a Qur'anic generation that excels not only in competitions but also demonstrates strong moral character in daily life.
GROUP PHOTO AFTER OATH-TAKING: Governor Bobby Nasution poses with the North Sumatra LPTQ board for the 2026–2030 term at the Raja Inal Siregar Hall, Governor's Office. (PHOTO: YT. Hariono)
Expectation for Outstanding Qari and QariahBobby Nasution also expressed optimism that MTQ 40 will produce outstanding qari and qariah capable of representing North Sumatra at national and international levels. Participants, he said, should serve not only as competitors but also as ambassadors of Qur'anic values.
"MTQ 40 should not just be a routine event, but a blessing that is felt throughout the year," he concluded.
The 2026 North Sumatra Provincial MTQ is scheduled to take place from June 15 to 25, 2026, at the Astaka complex on Jalan Willem Iskandar/Pancing,
Deliserdang Regency.
The newly appointed LPTQ leadership includes Sulaiman Harahap as chairman, Muhammad Yasir Tanjung as executive committee head, Rijal Ahmad Rangkuti as head of the supervisory board, and Syaifuddin Hazmi Lubis as head of the MTQ 40 judging panel. (IDNC)
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Darmailawati | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala