300 Dancers from Unnes and ISI Surakarta Enliven the 31st National MTQ in Semarang

RRI.CO.ID, Semarang — A total of 300 dancers from Semarang State University (Unnes) and the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Surakarta performed in a grand-scale dance production titled "Jejak Langit di Atas Tanah Jawa" (Traces of the Heavens over the Land of Java) at the opening of the 31st National Quran Recitation Competition (MTQ) in 2026. Held at Pancasila Field, Simpang Lima, Semarang. The event combined choreography, music, multimedia, and stage props to narrate the encounter between Islam and Javanese and Chinese cultures.

In a statement received on Sunday, September 13, 2026, Coordinator of the Performing Arts Education Study Program at the Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) Unnes, Eny Kusumastuti, explained that the performance was designed as an artistic narrative regarding the arrival of Islam amidst the dynamics of Javanese society. According to him, the story begins with a depiction of the glory of the land of Java which then intersects with various cultures, until finally the figure of Sunan Kalijaga emerges as a symbol of enlightenment for a society that is currently filled with anxiety.

The performance's narrative arc shifts from an atmosphere of tranquility to scenes of conflict and darkness, before finally transitioning to the arrival of light. This shift in atmosphere was intentionally crafted to highlight the contrast between a period of tension and the advent of enlightenment; here, light serves not merely as a visual element but as a symbol of Islamic values that bring direction and serenity.

A standout feature of the performance was the appearance of a replica of Cheng Ho’s ship, acknowledging Semarang's strong historical ties to the voyages of that figure. According to Eny, the blending of Javanese and Chinese elements with Islamic symbols illustrates how culture in Java evolved through a series of intercultural encounters and mutual influences.

The performance then focused on the figure of Sunan Kalijaga and his approach to dakwah (religious outreach) that blended with local culture, marked by the singing of the song "Lir-Ilir" as a transition into a spiritual atmosphere filled with the declaration of tauhid (the oneness of God). In the finale, dancers arranged lanterns to form the Arabic script for "Allah," symbolizing the light of Islam illuminating the land of Java.

Preparations for the performance began on August 8, 2026, involving approximately 20 rehearsals to ensure the dance movements were perfectly synchronized with the music, lighting, visuals, and stage props.

The Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Chairman of the Institute for the Development of Quranic Recitation (LPTQ), Abu Rokhmad, stated that the inclusion of artistic and cultural elements in the MTQ opening ceremony is part of an effort to bring the Quran into the daily lives of the community. He emphasized that the MTQ serves not only as a competition for reciting, memorizing, and understanding the Quran but also as a space for religious-themed artistic expression, aligning with the overarching theme of the 31st National MTQ.

The 31st National MTQ involves 2,242 participants from 37 provinces competing across eight disciplines, 24 divisions, and 48 categories at 12 venues throughout Semarang City. In addition to the competitions, the event series features the Ministry of Religious Affairs Expo, an MSME and halal product bazaar, exhibitions of Quranic manuscripts and codices, and scholarly discussions.

The opening of this event was attended by a number of officials, including Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar, Deputy Minister of Religion Romo R. Muhammad Syafi'i, Minister of PPPA Arifah Fauzi, Governor of Central Java Ahmad Luthfi, and Mayor of Semarang Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti, making the XXXI National MTQ a meeting place for 37 regional delegations in Central Java.