thesilkroadtoday
Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia – June 2026 – The 4th International Minangkabau Literary Festival (IMLF-4) has successfully concluded in West Sumatra, bringing together writers, poets, journalists, academics, cultural experts, artists, entrepreneurs, and literacy advocates from dozens of countries in a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and intercultural dialogue. This year’s festival held particular significance as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of Jam Gadang, the iconic clock tower that has become a symbol of Bukittinggi and Indonesian cultural identity.
The festival received strong support from governmental and cultural institutions, including the West Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumbar), whose leadership emphasized the strategic importance of literacy in contemporary society. During an official audience with the IMLF organizing committee at the West Sumatra Police Headquarters, West Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Dr. Gatot Tri Suryanta reaffirmed the police’s commitment to promoting literacy and cultural awareness.
“Police do not merely safeguard public security; we must also protect the minds of our nation’s young people. Literacy is the most effective defense against hoaxes, drugs, and radical ideologies,” the Police Chief stated.
He praised IMLF-4 for successfully creating a global platform where writers, literary figures, journalists, cultural practitioners, thinkers, and literacy activists from numerous countries could exchange ideas and celebrate shared human values. According to him, the spirit of the festival aligns closely with the ‘Police as Friends of Literacy’ initiative, which encourages community police officers to actively engage with reading spaces, educational institutions, and literacy communities.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of an IMLF 2026 commemorative gift to the Police Chief, symbolizing the growing synergy between law enforcement institutions and literacy advocates. Present at the gathering were IMLF Secretary Armaidi Tanjung and organizing committee members Zusneli Zubir, Rita Novita, and Hamdani.
In his welcoming message, H. Ramlan Nurmatias, Mayor of Bukittinggi, warmly greeted the international delegates, describing Bukittinggi as “the City of Struggle and the heart of Indonesian history.” He noted that the city has long served as a source of inspiration for people of all generations and emphasized the cultural significance of the centennial celebration of Jam Gadang.
“The 100th anniversary of Jam Gadang is not merely the commemoration of a monument’s age. It is an opportunity to reflect on our historical journey, strengthen our regional identity, and reaffirm our commitment to preserving the cultural heritage that fills the people of Bukittinggi with pride,” the Mayor stated.
He further expressed hope that, through the festival’s pentahelix collaboration involving government institutions, academia, businesses, communities, and cultural organizations, the historical and cultural values embodied by Jam Gadang would continue to inspire future generations.
Meanwhile, Sastri Bakry, President of IMLF-2026, described this year’s festival as particularly meaningful because of its alignment with the Jam Gadang centenary celebrations.
“IMLF exists to create a space where we can learn together, exchange experiences, and generate new ideas. We hope this forum becomes the starting point for fresh concepts, long-term collaborations, and shared inspirations that can be transformed into meaningful realities,” she said.
Bakry also expressed her gratitude to the Governor of West Sumatra, the National Library of Indonesia, the Language Development and Foster Agency of Indonesia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regional governments, cultural institutions, sponsors, delegates, speakers, volunteers, and all partners whose collective efforts made the festival possible.
The 4th International Minangkabau Literary Festival once again demonstrated that literature is not only an artistic endeavor but also a powerful instrument for cultural preservation, education, and international understanding. By connecting local heritage with global perspectives, the festival reaffirmed Bukittinggi’s position as a dynamic crossroads where history, literacy, and cultural dialogue continue to thrive and inspire generations to come.
