PADANG, forumsumbar –—A heartfelt call echoes from the land of Minangkabau.Amid the profound humanitarian crisis in Gaza, West Sumatra lends its voice to a global movement—through poetry, the universal language that transcends politics and borders.
Titled “Save and Love Gaza”, this event will take place on Sunday morning, June 22, 2025, at GOR Agus Salim in Padang, bringing together a chorus of voices: regional leaders, women figures, poets, artists, and members of literary and humanitarian communities.
This initiative represents West Sumatra’s tangible contribution to the World Poetry Movement (WPM), which since May 15, 2025, has mobilized poets across 121 countries with 179 poets reading simultaneously in a global outcry against the humanitarian atrocities in Gaza and throughout Palestine.
Key Figures Attending
From the ranks of government and women’s organizations:
1. Ibnu Azis, Deputy Mayor of Bukittinggi
2. Dianita Maulin Vasko, Chair of BKOW and Senior Advisor to the PKK Movement of West Sumatra, who will also deliver a live poetry reading
From the circle of poets and artists in West Sumatra:
1. Sastri Bakry, senior poet, Chair of SatuPena West Sumatra, and National Coordinator for WPM Indonesia
2. Dr Andrea C Tamsin, senior poet and lecturer at the Department of Indonesian Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Negeri Padang
3. Yenni Ibrahim, veteran artist and poet
4. Zamzami Ismail, senior poet
5. Fauzul el Nurca, seniot poet.
6. Leni Marlina, acclaimed poet, 2025 “Outstanding Writer” awardee from SatuPena West Sumatra, and lecturer in English Literature at Universitas Negeri Padang
7. Edrawati, teacher, writer, and poet
8. Nofieana Gusti, poet and Chair of Forkasmi
9. Hesti Nelvia, female poet voicing the pain of Palestinian children
10. Tyo Kurniawan, emerging poet and student of English Literature Department at FBS UNP, member of PPIPM-Indonesia & PPIC
A dramatic rendition of the poem “Give Us Weapons, O World” by Pipiet Senja will be performed by Rhein Eka Triana.
The event will also feature Islamic arts performances by: Alfajr Nasheed Group, Sumbar Talenta, Barabah Group.
According to Eka Fitriyah Fauzar, the event’s organizing chairperson, the program seeks to awaken public consciousness on the urgent need for global solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“Gaza is not merely a warzone. It is a site of prolonged occupation, blockade, and human suffering. Through poetry, we offer not only our voices—but our humanity and faith,” she stated.
Her sentiments were echoed by fellow organizers Suryenti and Basnurida (Chair of the Siti Manggopoh Association), who emphasized poetry as a form of non-violent resistance and an expression of love and faith.
Poems to Be Presented Include:
1. Gaza, the Wounded City – Sastri Bakry
2. Among the Cracks of the Earth – Leni Marlina
3. Red Sky Over the Horizon of Palestine – Edrawati
4. Save Love: We Love Palestine – Nofieana Gusti
5. The Grief of Palestinian Children – Hesti Nelvia
6. Blanketed in Clouds, Pillowed by Prayer – Tyo Kurniawan
7. Give Us Weapons, O World – Pipiet Senja (performed by Rhein Eka Triana)
8. When We Say Nothing While 1,300 Children Are Killed – Yenni Ibrahim
Supported by Diverse Communities and Organizations:
This event is jointly organized by World Poetry Movement Indonesia and supported by:
1. SatuPena West Sumatra
2. BKOW West Sumatra
3. FKPPI
4. DHD 45
5. Siti Manggopoh Association
6. Forkasmi
7. HWK West Sumatra
8. PPIPM (Pondok Puisi Inspirasi Masyarakat)
9. Poetry-Pen International Community
10. World Children’s Literature Community (WCLC)
11. Starmoonsun Edupreneur Community Indonesia
Poetry as a Spiritual Weapon
In Minangkabau culture, grounded in the philosophy of adat basandi syarak, syarak basandi Kitabullah (tradition founded upon faith, and faith upon the Qur’an), speaking out for justice is an act of devotion.
Here, poetry becomes a spiritual weapon, a resonant prayer, and a persistent flame in the darkness of oppression.
An Open Invitation to All
This event is open to the public. Citizens of West Sumatra and all lovers of art and humanity are warmly invited to attend and express their empathy and solidarity with the people of Gaza.
For behind every poem spoken aloud lies a prayer that never fades—ascending to the heavens, piercing through every blockade.
(Leni Marlina)
