The 2024 Indonesia International Book Fair (IIBF), held in Jakarta from September 25th to 29th, witnessed a remarkable display of cultural exchange, as a delegation of Chinese publishers presented over 700 high-quality books. This extensive collection, curated by China National Sci-Tech Information Import & Export Co., Ltd., represented a diverse range of subjects, encompassing Chinese literature, educational materials, and cultural works.
The books showcased a rich tapestry of Chinese heritage, offering insights into traditional culture, history, philosophy, and artistic achievements. Visitors were introduced to the beauty and depth of Chinese traditions, promoting deeper understanding and appreciation. The collection also included a significant focus on educational materials aimed at non-native Mandarin speakers. This reflected the growing global importance of the Chinese language and its increasing demand as a language of commerce and communication. The materials were designed to make Mandarin accessible and engaging, fostering linguistic exchange and strengthening ties between China and Indonesia.
Chinese literature had a prominent presence at the fair, with novels, poetry, and critical essays offering readers a glimpse into the evolving trends of Chinese storytelling and writing. This provided Indonesian readers with a unique opportunity to experience both contemporary and classic Chinese literature firsthand.
A noteworthy inclusion in the collection was a selection of books on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These publications offered a window into China’s ancient health practices and philosophy, showcasing the holistic approach to health and well-being that continues to draw interest worldwide.
The IIBF served as a valuable platform for promoting mutual understanding and collaboration between China and Indonesia. The participation of Chinese publishers highlighted China’s commitment to sharing its rich cultural and intellectual heritage with the world. The Chinese delegation established a captivating digital reading stand at the fair, attracting visitors with its immersive display of Chinese history, culture, and innovation in areas like economics and ecology. The stand incorporated interactive elements, including a photo feature that allowed visitors to capture and share memorable moments, creating a unique and engaging experience for attendees.
A significant moment at the fair was the signing ceremony between China’s Higher Education Press and Indonesia’s PT Legacy Utama Kreasindo, solidifying the Indonesian language rights for the educational series “Experiencing Chinese for Primary Schools (International Version).” This comprehensive series, specifically designed for young learners outside of China, is set to be published in Indonesia later this year. The partnership underscores both nations’ commitment to fostering educational collaboration and promoting Mandarin language learning among Indonesian students. The introduction of this series represents a significant step in enhancing cross-cultural understanding and linguistic exchange.
“Experiencing Chinese for Primary Schools” is designed to provide elementary students with an engaging and practical approach to learning Mandarin, helping them develop essential language skills. Its upcoming release in Indonesia is expected to further strengthen the educational ties between the two countries, promoting language acquisition in a fun and accessible manner.
Wedha Stratesti, Chairperson of the IIBF, noted that the 2024 edition of the event, which featured participation from publishers representing 15 different countries, marked a major milestone for the fair. The diverse international presence highlighted the growing importance of such events in fostering global literary and educational exchanges. Stratesti emphasized that this year’s fair had reached new heights in terms of both participation and the scope of materials presented.
Overall, the 2024 Indonesia International Book Fair not only provided a platform for publishers to showcase their works but also served as a bridge for cultural and intellectual collaboration between nations. The Chinese delegation’s involvement, particularly through their digital stand and educational partnerships, played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between China and Indonesia, contributing to the event’s success and international relevance.
