JAKARTA, forumsumbar —-The Indonesia Language Development and Cultivation Agency, led by its Head of Language and Literature Development, Ganjar Harimansyah, proudly announced its support for the upcoming International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF) III. The festival, scheduled for May 8–12, 2025, in Padang, West Sumatra, represents a remarkable initiative to introduce Minangkabau literacy and culture to the global stage.
This strategic endeavor also aims to position Indonesian literature as a powerful tool of cultural diplomacy that bridges nations.
The official announcement was made on January 13, 2025, during a meeting at Iswara Building, Rawamangun, Jakarta.
This session brought together prominent figures, including IMLF III Chairperson Sastri Bakry, Secretary Armaidi Tanjung, Vice Chairs Soni Drestiana and Mira Gusvina, alongside Language Center officials such as Abdul Safii, Frista Nanda Pratiwi, Laveta Pamela Rianas, and Puteri Asmaini.
Ganjar Harimansyah emphasized the importance of fostering strategic collaboration to ensure the festival’s success. “We are committed to facilitating, collaborating, and promoting this event to relevant international stakeholders. Literacy and literature are not merely written expressions but pivotal elements of civilization. IMLF is a monumental step toward a more interconnected world,” Ganjar stated.
He further underscored plans to engage international institutions and networks to amplify the festival’s global impact. “Literature effectively bridges cultural divides, fostering harmonious international cooperation,” he added.
IMLF III: A Hub for Global Dialogue
IMLF III, as explained by Chairperson Sastri Bakry, is not merely a literary event. It is envisioned as a platform for global dialogue and collaboration, uniting writers, researchers, artists, activists, and students from diverse corners of the globe.
“IMLF serves as a meeting point for passionate individuals committed to advancing literacy. It provides a space to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and deepen our appreciation of global literary and cultural landscapes,” Sastri noted.
The festival agenda includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, book launches, seminars, cultural heritage tours, and artistic showcases that celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of West Sumatra and Indonesia.
Following the successes of IMLF I (2023) and IMLF II (2024), which drew delegates from 12 and 17 countries respectively, IMLF III aims to attract participants from 20 countries, with a target of 200 international attendees. Sastri revealed that confirmed participants include representatives from Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Brunei, India, Russia, North Africa, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Germany.
Showcasing Minangkabau Culture and Tourism
Beyond literature, IMLF III provides an opportunity to spotlight Minangkabau’s cultural heritage. Festival highlights include visits to historical and geological landmarks such as the Indarung Heritage Site and Padayo Bat Cave, alongside traditional games like salaju sampan, which embodies Minangkabau’s communal spirit.
According to Yudi Indra Syani, Head of Padang’s Tourism Department, the festival is a golden opportunity to position Padang as a destination rich in both visual allure and cultural depth. “This is more than a cultural event; it is a celebration of shared values and friendships, showing the world that Padang offers beauty and profound meaning,” he remarked.
Literature: A Tool for Cultural Diplomacy
Ganjar Harimansyah highlighted the global significance of IMLF III in strengthening Indonesia’s literary presence. “Literature is a bridge connecting us to the world. IMLF III represents a golden opportunity to showcase Indonesia’s cultural diversity, particularly the noble values of Minangkabau literature,” he stated.
During the meeting, Ganjar symbolically received literary works by SATUPENA West Sumatra members from Sastri Bakry and Armaidi Tanjung. This act reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting international literary and cultural exchange.
A Platform for Cross-Cultural Collaboration
IMLF III aspires to advance intercultural dialogue through literature, emphasizing the importance of diversity in building global understanding. The festival underscores the role of literature in fostering peace, equality, and hope worldwide.
“Literacy is the lifeblood of civilization. Every story told paves the way for a more meaningful future,” Ganjar concluded.
The festival will feature poetry readings by international authors, traditional Minangkabau dance performances, and art concerts by local and international artists, merging tradition with innovation.
With a strong spirit of collaboration, Padang is poised to host IMLF III, showcasing Minangkabau’s vibrant creativity and fostering hope for a more connected future. The festival marks a significant step in elevating Minangkabau literature to the global stage, building international networks, and contributing to the evolution of global literacy.
(Leni Marlina)
