From a humble desk in a Jakarta hotel room to the halls of the United Nations, the life and work of Rachid Idriss have become a cornerstone of Tunisia’s guest-of-honor presentation at the 40th Tunis International Book Fair. In a poignant celebration of shared history, the Indonesian pavilion has placed a spotlight on “From Jakarta to Carthage,” the 1985 memoir by the late Tunisian diplomat and independence fighter Rachid Idriss. The presentation, held under the chairmanship of Indonesian Ambassador Zuhairi Misrawi, underscores the profound historical ties between the two nations and the enduring power of cultural diplomacy.
A Journey Across Continents
First published in 1985, “From Jakarta to Carthage” is more than a travelogue; it is a chronicle of struggle, solidarity, and statecraft. The memoir follows Idriss on his adventures across the globe, from the United States to China, Japan, India, and the Philippines. However, the narrative shows a special fascination with Indonesia. The book details his profound personal connection to the country, describing it in vivid detail. Idriss recounts being mesmerized by the lush greenery of Bogor and the serene beauty of Bali, which he famously called “God’s paradise on Earth.”
At its heart, the book is a testament to how Jakarta became a crucial launching point for Tunisia’s own fight for freedom. In 1952, Idriss arrived in the Indonesian capital, not as a tourist, but on a critical mission to secure support for his homeland’s liberation. He was captivated by the spirit of Indonesian President Sukarno, whom he saw as a pivotal figure in the anti-colonial movement, and his time in Jakarta helped shape the course of his country’s diplomatic future.
Commemorating a Founding Diplomat
The work’s central role at the fair is a tribute to a monumental figure in Tunisian history. Rachid Idriss (1917-2009) was a lifelong activist and statesman who helped form Tunisia’s first government under President Habib Bourguiba. As a diplomat, he served as Tunisia’s ambassador to the United States and permanent representative to the United Nations. Yet, his connection to Indonesia remained a constant thread throughout his life, with his memoir serving as the primary vessel for these memories.
In a statement to TunisianMonitorNews, Indonesian Ambassador Zuhairi Misrawi explained the significance of the selection, noting that the book will soon be adapted into a documentary film to further cement this legacy. “Among the works presented at the Indonesian pavilion is the book ‘From Jakarta to Carthage’ by former diplomat and activist Rachid Idriss,” the ambassador stated. “First published in 1985, the book will soon be adapted into a film recounting key historical moments between the two countries.”
The Spirit of Bandung and a Shared Future
The presentation of Idriss’s memoir fits seamlessly into the larger theme of Indonesia’s participation in the fair, which runs from April 23 to May 3, 2026. Ambassador Misrawi emphasized that Indonesia’s presence is also a chance to recall the “Spirit of Bandung”—the 1955 Asian-African Conference that laid the groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement. That same spirit of anti-colonial solidarity is what drew Rachid Idriss to Jakarta over seventy years ago.
Through the pages of “From Jakarta to Carthage” visitors to the 40th Tunis International Book Fair are not just reading a book; they are witnessing the foundation of a friendship between two nations. As Ambassador Misrawi concluded, echoing the sentiment of the memoir, “Indonesia and Tunisia are friends.”
TunisianMonitorNews (NejiMed)
