CILEGON – The Chairman of the Cilegon Legislative Council (DPRD) is urging the Cilegon City Government to maximize the coaching of champions from the recent Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ – Quran Recitation Competition) who will be sent to the upcoming Banten Provincial MTQ. He requested that the Cilegon City Government, under the leadership of Mayor Robinsar and Vice Mayor Fajar Hadi Prabowo, target a top-three finish at the Banten MTQ.
“We hope that from the MTQ held in Cilegon City, seeds will emerge that can truly carry the name of Cilegon at the Provincial and National levels,” he stated.
With the JUARE (Honest, Trustworthy, and Religious) slogan that is always promoted, he hopes it aligns with the achievements attained by Cilegon City.
“The Juare slogan should align with our hopes for the Cilegon City contingent at the Banten Provincial level. We expect it to be in the top three,” he said.
According to him, the effort to achieve a top-three position at the Banten MTQ aligns with fostering the faith and piety of Cilegon City residents.
“So that the fostering of Faith and Piety (Imtak) in Cilegon City can truly resonate with this JUARE slogan,” he added.
Restore the Fighting Spirit of the City of Santri
He expressed optimism that Cilegon, nicknamed the city of santri (Islamic students), should be able to restore the fighting spirit of that city of santri.
“One of the paths of da’wah (Islamic propagation) is through MTQ, which is why we are committed between the DPRD and the Cilegon City Government going forward to improve achievements in the realm of MTQ, it must align with that JUARE slogan,” he explained.
One step that can be taken is allocating infrastructure and budget for improving Faith and Piety facilities that support the performance of the Cilegon MTQ contingent in the upcoming Banten-level competition.
“In terms of facilities, we must prepare the best, perhaps a quarantine can be held at the Cilegon Islamic Center. So the coaching is specifically related to the contested branches, even if necessary, the cadre training or coaching should start six months prior, so the preparation is more mature,” he concluded.
Cilegon Legislative Council (DPRD)
The Cilegon Legislative Council (DPRD Kota Cilegon) is the local legislative body for the city of Cilegon, Indonesia. It was established following the city’s official formation as an autonomous administrative region separate from Serang Regency in 1999. The council is responsible for creating local regulations, budgeting, and overseeing the municipal government within this major industrial center.
Cilegon City Government
The Cilegon City Government is the administrative body governing Cilegon, a major industrial city in Banten Province, Indonesia. It was established following Cilegon’s official elevation from a district to an autonomous city on April 27, 1999, separating from the former Serang Regency. The city government manages a rapidly growing urban area known as a national center for steel production and heavy industry.
Banten Provincial MTQ
The Banten Provincial MTQ (Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran) is a regional-level Quran recitation competition held annually in Banten Province, Indonesia. It serves as a qualifying event for the National MTQ, with a history rooted in Indonesia’s longstanding tradition of promoting Quranic literacy and artistry since the national competitions began in the 1940s. The event showcases various Islamic arts, including recitation, memorization, and calligraphy, and is a significant cultural and religious gathering for the local Muslim community.
JUARE slogan
“JUARE” is not a recognized place or cultural site, but rather a slogan associated with the Mexican city of Ciudad Juárez. It stands for “**J**untos **U**nidos **A**vanzamos en la **R**econstrucción y **E**ducación” (Together, United, We Advance in Reconstruction and Education), a civic campaign launched in the early 2010s to promote social unity and recovery following a period of intense drug cartel violence in the city’s history.
City of Santri
The “City of Santri” is a common nickname for several Indonesian cities, most notably **Jombang in East Java**, renowned as a historic center for Islamic boarding schools (*pesantren*). Its deep-rooted Islamic scholarly tradition dates back centuries, with influential *ulama* (Islamic scholars) establishing major *pesantren* that have shaped Indonesia’s religious and social landscape. Today, it remains a symbolic heartland for traditional Islamic education and culture in the archipelago.
Cilegon Islamic Center
The Cilegon Islamic Center is a prominent mosque and cultural complex located in Cilegon, Banten, Indonesia. It was officially opened in 2010 and serves as a central hub for religious activities, education, and community events for the predominantly Muslim population of this industrial city. The center’s grand architecture, featuring large domes and minarets, reflects its role as a modern landmark of Islamic faith in the region.
Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ)
Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ) is a prestigious Indonesian national competition for the recitation of the Quran, encompassing various disciplines like memorization, recitation style (tajwid), and interpretation. It was first held in 1940 in Solo, Central Java, and has since become a major cultural and religious event, organized regularly to promote the study, appreciation, and preservation of the Quranic arts. The MTQ plays a significant role in fostering Islamic identity and unity across the diverse archipelago.
Banten Province
Banten Province is a region on the western tip of Java, Indonesia, historically significant as the seat of the powerful Banten Sultanate, a major Islamic kingdom and a thriving pepper trade port from the 16th to early 19th centuries. Today, it is known for its industrial zones and modern port, while preserving historical sites like the Grand Mosque of Banten and the ruins of the Surosowan Palace.
