RRI,CO,ID, Jakarta - Indonesia strengthened its global Islamic literacy diplomacy, on Monday, Feburary 2, 2026, by signing memorandums of understanding on Quran publishing and distribution with four Egyptian partners during the Cairo International Book Fair 2026. It is aimed at expanding access and collaboration across the Middle East.

Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Ministry has strengthened international cooperation in Islamic publishing by signing agreements with several Egyptian publishing and distribution institutions during the CIBF 2026 in Egypt, on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The initiative is part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to promote global Islamic literacy and moderate Islamic thought.

The cooperation was formalized through the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) by the Quran Printing Unit (UPQ) under the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance of the Ministry. UPQ Head Ismail Nur said the agreements were signed with four Egyptian partners: United Egypt Company for Trading and Individual Investment, Aldiplomasy.com (Arabic-English Editions), Dar-Mobdioun for Publishing and Distribution, and United Arab Foundation.

“All of these MoUs share the same substance, covering cooperation in Quran printing, publishing, and distribution, as well as strengthening Islamic literacy and thought,” Ismail said in Cairo on Sunday, February 1, 2026, as quoted on Religious Affairs Ministry official website.

According to Ismail, the collaboration goes beyond production and distribution of Quranic texts. It is also designed to build long-term international partnerships in spreading Quranic literacy, religious education, and the values of moderate Islam. Through this cooperation, Indonesia aims to expand access for Egyptian communities and neighboring regions to high-quality, authenticated, and verified Indonesian-printed Qurans, while reinforcing Indonesia’s role as a global actor in Quran diplomacy.

The MoUs were signed in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, and will remain valid for three years starting in 2026, with the possibility of extension based on mutual written agreement.

Ismail emphasized that the agreements also create space for intercultural dialogue through international book and Quran exhibitions, academic seminars, and cross-border scholarly forums. These platforms are expected to facilitate the exchange of ideas, expertise, and experience in developing global Islamic literacy.

He added that the cooperation is strategically important for both UPQ and Indonesia, as it strengthens Indonesia’s position as an international reference center for professional, globally standardized Quran printing, particularly in the Middle East region.

“This cooperation opens official and sustainable distribution channels for Indonesian Qurans in Egypt, which we hope will serve as an entry point for broader collaboration, including joint programs, international exhibitions, and exchanges of printing expertise,” Ismail explained.

Looking ahead, Ismail expressed hope that the MoUs will be swiftly implemented through sustainable Quran publishing and distribution programs, while building a long-term cooperation ecosystem between UPQ and its Egyptian partners. He noted that Indonesia’s contribution to strengthening global Quranic literacy is expected to expand further, opening opportunities for cooperation with Islamic institutions across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

He also stressed the importance of UPQ serving as an international role model in accountable and professional Quran printing and distribution governance, while reinforcing Indonesia’s contribution to Islamic literacy, culture, and the global development of moderate Islamic thought. ***