37 Countries Participate in Tunis International Book Fair 2026
Tunisia International Book Fair 2026 closed on May 3 after welcoming 37 countries, showcasing global literature, cultural diplomacy, and Indonesia’s prominent participation.
JAKARTA – The 40th edition of the Tunis International Book Fair officially closes today, May 3, after eleven days of major literary, cultural, and diplomatic activities at the Kram Exhibition Center in Tunis.
This year’s fair welcomed 394 publishing houses from 37 countries and featured around 148,000 book titles, reaffirming Tunisia’s place as one of the Arab world’s leading cultural centers.
As Guest of Honor, Indonesia drew international attention through the Indonesian Pavilion, which became one of the fair’s standout attractions. Managed by the Indonesian Embassy in Tunis, the pavilion displayed more than 1,000 books in Arabic, English, French, and Indonesian, covering Indonesian history, Islamic scholarship, literature, and national figures.
It also served Indonesian coffee, showcased traditional arts, held academic discussions, and promoted the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and Tunisia.
PPI Tunisia (Indonesian Students Association in Tunisia) played an active role by supporting exhibitions. They also organizing cultural performances, and introducing Indonesian heritage to visitors from across the globe.
Their participation strengthened Indonesia’s youth diplomacy presence and demonstrated how Indonesian students abroad contribute directly to international cultural engagement.
“It is a prove that Indonesian students abroad are not only learners, but also ambassadors of national unity, intellectual progress, and cultural diplomacy on the global stage,” said M. Syauqi Ramadhan, representative of PPI Tunisia on Sunday (3/5/2026).
According to official fair organizers and regional publishing reports, the event generated strong commercial momentum. Millions of books displayed and substantial public sales throughout the 11-day exhibition, especially during final weekend attendance surges.
While final audited sales figures are still being compiled as of closing day, organizers described the 2026 edition as one of the fair’s strongest commercial and visitor successes in recent years due to record international participation and expanded programming.
President Kais Saied personally inaugurated the event, signaling Tunisia’s commitment to global intellectual exchange. Beyond commerce, the fair hosted dozens of seminars, literary discussions, and artistic events, transforming it into a platform where literature, diplomacy, and culture intersected.
With its closing today, Tunis International Book Fair 2026 leaves behind a powerful legacy of international cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and literary exchange. The event not only celebrated global publishing and intellectual exchange but also reinforced Tunisia’s position as a leading cultural crossroads in the Arab world and beyond. (*)
Simak breaking news dan berita pilihan TIMES Indonesia langsung dari WhatsApp-mu!
Klik 👉 Channel TIMES Indonesia
Pastikan WhatsApp kamu sudah terpasang.
