Indonesian priest heads Quran recitation competition for first time

For the first time, a Catholic priest was chosen to head a Quran Recitation Competition  (Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur'an (MTQ) XXIX at Saumlaki, Tanimbar Islands Regency, Indonesia.

His inclusion in the organizing committee promotes religious harmony, fraternity, and tolerance.
 
The Provincial Government of Maluku organized a Quran Recitation Competition from March 18 to 24.

According to Father Simon Petrus Matruty, chair of the committee, the implementation of MTQ aims to bring Muslims closer to the holy book. It fosters an individual and community spirit of reading, studying, and practicing the Qur'an.

The priest stated that this year's MTQ implementation differed from previous years.

It is an annual event and has been held since 1968 in Tanimbar Islands Regency, Eastern Indonesia.

A similar celebration was also held in the district with a majority Christian population.

"In Suamlaki, Muslims constitute a minority, while Christians are the majority," Father Matruty explained.

He says,  “This is a big part of our national identity: ‘Bhineka Tunggal Ika,’ unity in diversity."

The committee comprises government officials, religious leaders from other faiths, and people from the community expressing the diversity.

The priest says Muslim brethren and others aspire to strengthen tolerance, which is a good thing for society in a true spirit of understanding and openness.

"It emphasized that the majority is responsible for protecting the minority," he added.

The priest hoped that the event would mark a historical moment, strengthen the spirit of understanding, and look for more avenues to work for the common good in Maluku and Indonesia.

"We should be proud to be Indonesian, a country brimming with ethnic, religious, and cultural diversities," said Father Matruty.

Furthermore, he said, "We also should consistently live in brotherhood, harmony, and aspire to live in diversity as a unifying community."

Meanwhile, Petrus Fatlolon, the regent of Tanimbar, said that he was honored to welcome all guests, invitees, and MTQ participants.

"We sincerely welcome all guests to become Tanimbar residents for more than one week,” he said.

As many as 1,159 people participated in the event, coming from 11 districts and cities in Maluku Province. Christians constitute 96 percent, and Muslims make up 4 percent of the population in the province.

The committee of MTQ's XXIX provided seven competitions to participants, including the Tilawatil branch, the Hifzil branch, the Syahril branch, the Fahmil branch, the Khat branch, the Musabaqah branch of Qur'anic Scientific Papers, and the Kirat Al Qur'an branch.