Copyright Talks at the Indonesia International Book Fair 2026
Negotiations took place between domestic publisher Gema Insani and China’s Beijiao Children Joy Education and Technology at the Indonesia International Book Fair 2026 in Jakarta regarding the licensing of several children’s science books. The prospective acquisitions include titles featuring astronauts and interactive design elements. Ecky, Gema Insani’s marketing and copyright manager, noted that the two companies had met previously in Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur before continuing discussions in Jakarta. “We are currently finalizing. There are some titles that we are interested in publishing in Indonesia, particularly children’s books,” Ecky said.
The Indonesian publisher demonstrated particular interest in interactive publishing features that remain relatively uncommon in the local market, including flip-flap mechanisms, three-dimensional elements, sliding parts, and string-based components. Ecky added that Chinese printing capabilities could offer a distinct cost advantage, noting that the companies were weighing whether the books would ultimately be printed in Indonesia or China.
Expanding Beyond Book Sales Into Joint Production
These discussions highlight how cooperation between Chinese and Indonesian publishers is expanding beyond simple book sales into copyright licensing, adaptation, and potential joint production. Ecky pointed out that international book fairs also provide Indonesian publishers with opportunities to bring their own domestic works to wider international markets.
On the reader side, interest in Chinese titles is steadily emerging among everyday consumers. Elvina, a Jakarta university student who studied Mandarin through high school, visited the book fair specifically to search for Mandarin-language fiction and other reading materials. “I’m very happy, actually, because I finally have access to buy and see more Mandarin books,” Elvina said. Beyond language practice, she collects them as reading material and appreciates their distinctive visual and literary qualities.
Indonesian Publishers Strengthen Long-Term Ties with Chinese Partners
Chinese publishers are actively strengthening these long-term ties with Indonesian partners. Chen Changhai, general manager of Beijiao Children Joy Education and Technology, stated that his company has operated in the Indonesian market for several years and has introduced more than 400 new children’s titles.
“We feel that the Indonesian publishing market, especially the publishing of children’s books, has great potential, and its development is very active,” Chen said. Pointing to a shift from simple copyright deals to collaborative research and development, he noted that this evolution indicates expanding prospects for cross-border content creation and sharing between the two nations’ publishing sectors.
