Don't Miss the Chance to Discover More Than 2,000 Books on MV Doulos Hope

After more than 30 years, an international floating book exhibition has returned to Jakarta. This time, MV Doulos Hope is docked at the Indonesia Kendaraan Terminal (IKT) Port on Jalan Sindang Laut, Cilincing, North Jakarta, from September 16 to October 11, 2026, bringing more than 2,000 books.

Connect with the world through literacy and cultural exchange

North Jakarta Vice Mayor Fredy Setiawan said the ship's arrival not only provides access to a wide range of books, but also creates opportunities for cultural interaction among people in Jakarta and surrounding areas.

MV Doulos Hope Docks in Jakarta to Boost Literacy and Book Access

According to him, the arrival of MV Doulos Hope gives the public, particularly children, students, young people, education communities, and families, an opportunity to gain new experiences while interacting with people from around the world.

"Make the most of this opportunity to foster a reading culture, broaden your horizons, deepen your appreciation for education, and build a younger generation that is open to the world," he stressed on Wednesday (9/16).

Fredy noted the arrival of MV Doulos Hope is particularly meaningful for North Jakarta, a coastal area and one of Jakarta's maritime gateways. Interactions between residents and crew members and volunteers from various countries also offer opportunities for cross-cultural learning.

"We hope this visit will not stop at being a ceremonial event, but will provide tangible benefits and strengthen tolerance, mutual respect, friendship, and peace," he added.

MV Doulos Hope Captain Eymard Calibjo expressed his pride in bringing the ship, which has crew members and volunteers from 38 countries, back to Jakarta.

Eymard said he has worked as a seafarer since December 20, 1991, and began serving aboard MV Doulos Hope in June 2025. Over the past 10 years, he has spent much of his time sailing in the North Sea in the oil and gas industry.

"Doulos Hope means Servant of Hope. We are very grateful for the warm welcome from the people of Jakarta and hope to build friendships through books, conversations, cultural exchanges, and cooperation," he said.

Meanwhile, Supriyatno, Head of Book Center at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology's BSKAP, expressed his appreciation for MV Doulos Hope's arrival in Jakarta. The ship's visit is a special moment, as a similar ship last docked at the port more than 30 years ago.

"We hope visits by international ships like this can become a regular event, so people can continue to access books, knowledge, culture, and developments in science and technology from around the world," he said.

Supriyatno added that MV Doulos Hope will also host various activities while docked at Tanjung Priok Port. He encouraged the public to make the most of the visit as an opportunity to learn and exchange experiences with the international crew.

"The visit not only enriches people's access to books, but also creates opportunities for Jakarta to connect with the world through literacy and cultural exchange," he said.