CBA Indonesia's Indonesian Christian Retail Expo (ICRE) drew a record 24,000 attendees and more than 150 exhibitors to the second event of its kind in the world's largest Muslim country, according to Christian Trade Association International (CTAI). The last expo, held in 2008, drew 15,000 people.

Held April 8-11 at the Mall of Indonesia in Jakarta, the expo highlighted Christian publishers, booksellers, media and music. The show also featured presentations from hospitals, clinics, spas and schools as well as children's events.

"It was extraordinary," said Billy Lantang, publishing manager of Immanuel Publishing House and Bookstore in Jakarta and chairman of CBA Indonesia. "The mall said they had never experienced an event that caused a traffic jam on a Sunday."

Themed "Becoming a Better Person, Body, Mind and Soul," the event also included a Bible artifacts museum. "This was a unique and educational display," Lantang said. "The exhibit was free, and (it) helped people to learn about the Bible and see objects from the time of King David."

Others who collaborated with CBA Indonesia to organize ICRE included the Creative Factory and publishers such as Yayasan Komunikasi Bina Kasih. "Artists such as Nania Yusuf, a contestant on Indonesian Idol, gave of their time to serve in this (event)," Lantang said.

A founding member of CTAI, CBA Indonesia also plans to hold a smaller Christian book and gift fair before Christmas.

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