Indonesia Showcases Cultural, Islamic Heritage at Cairo International Book Fair

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s pavilion drew strong attention at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF), captivating more than 1,000 visitors daily with its rich display of Nusantara culture and Islamic scholarship.

According to Secretary of the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Lubenah Amir, Indonesia’s participation in the prestigious event serves as a strategic platform to highlight the nation’s moderate, inclusive, and tradition-rooted expression of Islam.

“The Indonesian Pavilion is not only about books; it also introduces culture, the values of wasathiyah (balanced) Islam, and the contributions of Nusantara scholars to global Islamic civilization,” Lubenah said in Cairo on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as quoted on the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs official website.

The fair, held from January 21 to February 3, 2026, opened with dignitaries from Egypt and abroad. Indonesia’s pavilion, officially inaugurated on January 22 by the country’s Chargé d’Affaires to Egypt, is located in Hall 1 B56+, alongside leading Egyptian publishers, making it easily accessible to visitors.

One of the pavilion’s highlights was the presence of volunteers dressed in traditional attire from across the archipelago, including Aceh, Melayu, Palembang, Jambi, Sulawesi, Riau, and Java. 

In collaboration with the Indonesian Students Association in Egypt (PPMI), these cultural showcases attracted both local and international visitors eager to take photos and engage in dialog about Indonesia’s heritage.

Beyond cultural displays, the pavilion also spotlighted eco-theology, exploring the relationship between religion and the environment. Publications from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, such as Islamic Eco-Theology and Gender Tafsir, were featured prominently.

Among the most iconic exhibits was a Qur’an in sign language, demonstrated for visitors from various countries. 

“Many were enthusiastic to learn about the sign-language Qur’an, the first of its kind in the world. It reflects Indonesia’s strong commitment to inclusivity in religious services,” Lubenah noted.

The pavilion further showcased works of Nusantara scholars in Arabic and Arab Pegon, alongside texts in Indonesian, Malay, and Sundanese. Live calligraphy demonstrations and free book distributions added to the excitement.

Indonesia’s participation at CIBF also reflects the broader framework of the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between President Prabowo Subianto and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on April 12, 2025.

“This cooperation emphasizes the importance of implementing wasathiyah values, which are central to Indonesia’s religious life,” Lubenah said.

Through its active role in the fair, the Ministry of Religious Affairs hopes Indonesia will be increasingly recognized as a global reference point for moderate Islam, bridging traditions, cultures, and civilizations. ***