RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar underscored the global relevance of Qur’anic values during the Anugerah PTQ 1447/2026 held in Jakarta, Saturday, 28 February 2026. The event is part of Indonesia’s long-running Pekan Tilawatil Qur’an (PTQ), a national Qur’anic recitation festival that blends religious devotion with cultural celebration.

Speaking before participants and guests, the minister described the competition as more than a showcase of vocal excellence. “PTQ is not merely a contest of beautiful voice and precise tajwid, but most importantly how the spirit of the Qur’an penetrates the hearts and minds of its listeners,” he said.

He noted that Qur’anic recitation festivals in Indonesia have evolved into large public gatherings comparable to cultural festivals. According to him, “Wherever there is Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an, there is a people’s celebration,” reflecting how deeply embedded the tradition is in Indonesian society.

The minister added that the event has created what he called a “historic imprint” on the nation’s identity. He emphasized that winners of Qur’anic competitions, including those broadcast nationwide by Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI), receive recognition not only from religious circles but from the broader public.

Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, has organized national-level Qur’anic recitation events since the 1970s. The minister announced plans to restore the festival to an annual format, stating that the initiative reflects its status as “a cultural celebration belonging to the people.”

Beyond its spiritual dimension, the event also contributes to local economies when hosted in different provinces. “When MTQ is held in a region, hotels are full, local transport is busy, and small businesses thrive,” he explained, noting that tens of thousands of visitors typically attend.

Addressing global technological change, the minister compared the digital era to nuclear energy. “Technology, like nuclear power, can become a source of great benefit or great destruction, depending on how we manage it,” he said, stressing the importance of moral and spiritual foundations for young generations.

He concluded by expressing appreciation for RRI’s 55-year commitment to organizing PTQ and broadcasting it nationwide. “I believe RRI will continue to thrive in the future, preserving this noble tradition for the benefit of humanity,” he said, adding a hope that the Qur’an would remain a guiding force for peace and ethical progress.