ndonesia is currently participating in the 37th installment of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The event, which runs until May 6, is one of the largest literary events in Southeast Asia. In 2013, the fair reportedly welcomed around 2 million visitors.
This year, Indonesia was chosen as a Guest of Honor, along with Saudi Arabia and Kedah, a state in northwest Malaysia.
For the event, the country brought over 1,000 book titles from different categories, including children's books, literature, crafts, science, comic books and religion.
The books were published by local publishers Elex Media Komputindo, Gramedia Pustaka Utama, Grasindo, Penebar Plus, Republika, Pelangi Mizan, Prasetiya Mulya, Mizan Publishing, Noura Book, CAB, Zettaminds Studio and Yayasan Pustaka Obor Indonesia.
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Indonesia's participation in the event was supported by the Indonesian Publishers Association (IKAPI), Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf), Education and Culture Ministry and Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
In addition to the book fair, the event is also featuring various activities, such as book discussions, meet and greets with authors, a comic strip competition and illustrator workshop.
Local authors and creators Dr. M. Syafi'i Antonio, Widodo Saputro, Sapardi Djoko Damono, Faza Meonk, Aan Mansyur, A. Fuadi, Habiburrahman El Shirazy, Tasaro GK and Fayanna Ailisha Davianny were also scheduled to participate in the event.
IKAPI chairwoman Rosidayati Rozalina said in a press release that the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair was an opportunity for Indonesia to introduce local books as well as other creative products, namely board games, merchandise and films.
Rosdiyati expressed hope that through Indonesia’s participation as a Guest of Honor, residents of Malaysia and Indonesia would be interested in attending the international book fair. (jes/kes)
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