Ashraf AboArafe
INDONESIA Reconnects Classical Heritage with Contemporary Thought at the Cairo International Book Fair 2026
Cairo, 22 January 2026 – The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Cairo inaugurated the Indonesian Pavilion at the 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair 2026, held in Hall (1B), in a dignified cultural ceremony attended by representatives of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, members of the Indonesian diplomatic mission, and a wide spectrum of international visitors.
Indonesia’s return to the largest international book fair in the Middle East and Africa comes after an absence of more than a decade, marking a meaningful revival of its presence on one of the region’s most influential intellectual platforms. This participation underscores Indonesia’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and reinforces its role within the global Islamic scholarly landscape.
In his address, the Chargé d’Affaires emphasized that Indonesia’s participation goes beyond the display of books and publications, forming an integral part of its soft power diplomacy strategy—one that places knowledge, culture, and dialogue at the heart of international engagement.
He stated: “The Cairo International Book Fair stands as one of the most significant literacy platforms in the Middle East and Africa, and as a civilizational meeting point where ideas converge, scholarly traditions intersect, and networks of cultural diplomacy across the Islamic world are forged.”
He further highlighted that Indonesia, as one of the world’s largest Muslim-majority nations and a society enriched by cultural diversity, possesses a deep and enduring intellectual heritage—spanning classical manuscripts to contemporary works that speak to the challenges and aspirations of the modern age.
Through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Indonesia is showcasing a distinguished collection of publications, including the Official Indonesian Qur’an, Qur’anic commentaries and translations, as well as the Sign-Language Qur’an—a pioneering initiative that broadens access to the meanings of revelation for persons with communication disabilities. These works are not merely books, but living representations of an Indonesian Islamic model that is culturally inclusive, adaptable, and oriented toward the public good.
Indonesia’s participation this year also carries strategic significance within the framework of bilateral relations with Egypt. It serves as a tangible implementation of the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed on 12 April 2025 by His Excellency Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, and His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
This partnership places particular emphasis on promoting the values of Wasathiyah Islam (moderate Islam)—a core message Indonesia seeks to convey through its presence at this year’s fair, reaffirming a vision of Islam rooted in balance, tolerance, and intellectual openness.
Beyond book displays and manuscripts, the Indonesian Pavilion functions as a vibrant space for cultural dialogue, intellectual exchange, and the introduction of the rich scholarly traditions of the Indonesian archipelago to an international audience.
Concluding his remarks, the Chargé d’Affaires expressed his sincere appreciation to the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs for its active participation in the Cairo International Book Fair 2026, voicing his hope that this engagement will further expand cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and knowledge between Indonesia, Egypt, and the wider Islamic world.
