By: Leni Marlina
THE PROVINCIAL Government of West Sumatra (Sumbar) has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF) III, which will take place from May 8–12, 2025. This festival not only serves as a source of pride for West Sumatra in promoting literacy but also as a pivotal moment to introduce Minangkabau culture to the world.
Acting Secretary of the West Sumatra Provincial Government Yozarwardi U.P., SHut, MSi, expressed full support for the festival, which celebrates language, literature, and art, during a meeting with the board members of DPD Satu Pena Sumbar and the IMLF organizing committee at his office in the Governor’s Office on Monday (January 20, 2025).
“We view IMLF as a festival that not only revives the spirit and scope of literacy but also effectively promotes the tourism, culture, and literacy of West Sumatra on a global scale. The two previous events have been successful, and we are optimistic that the third IMLF will be even bigger and better,” Yozarwardi stated.
IMLF: Building Literacy and Cultural Diplomacy
Since its inception in 2023, IMLF has served as a meeting point for writers, literary figures, academics, artists, and thinkers from various countries. Chair of DPD SatuPena Sumbar and IMLF Chairperson Sastri Bakry, explained that the first IMLF was attended by delegates from 12 countries, while the second saw an increase to 17 countries. For the third edition, the committee is targeting participation from 20 countries.
“IMLF has become an international platform connecting literacy, art, and culture. This year, we aim to scale up the event by welcoming over 200 international participants,” Sastri explained.
Key activities planned include:
* Panel Discussions and Keynote Speeches: Featuring 30 international speakers to discuss contemporary issues in literacy, culture, and technology.
* Art Performances and Poetry Readings: Showcasing the best works of Minangkabau artists and writers in collaboration with international delegates.
* Book Exhibitions and Launches: Providing a platform to introduce local authors’ works to the global market.
* UMKM Bazaar: Introducing West Sumatran local products to international delegates.
The Benefits of IMLF for Sumbar, Indonesia, and the World
IMLF is not merely a literacy festival; it is a strategic initiative with tangible impacts in various fields:
1. For West Sumatra
* Promoting Tourism and Culture: IMLF enhances West Sumatra’s image as a unique cultural and literacy destination. Delegates bring positive stories and experiences about West Sumatra, Indonesia, back to their home countries.
* Empowering the Local Economy: Through the UMKM bazaar, local communities gain opportunities to market Minangkabau-specific products, such as cuisine, crafts, and traditional arts.
* Strengthening Cultural Identity: The event serves as a medium to foster local pride in cultural heritage.
2. For Indonesia
* Cultural Diplomacy: IMLF is a form of soft diplomacy, connecting Indonesia to the international community through literacy and art.
* Enhancing National Literacy Image: The festival showcases that Indonesia is not only rich in culture but also actively supports global literacy development.
* International Networking: Opens opportunities for collaboration between Indonesian literacy institutions and foreign organizations.
3. For the World
* Knowledge Exchange: Delegates from various countries share trends, innovations, and the latest thoughts in literacy in an inclusive forum.
* Cross-Cultural Understanding: Discussions and art performances allow participants worldwide to understand Indonesia’s diversity, especially Minangkabau culture.
* Global Collaboration: IMLF creates a space for international partnerships in literacy, publishing, and art.
As the writer and activist Maya Angelou once said, “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value.” IMLF represents this diversity as its greatest strength in building a more inclusive world.
Yozarwardi A Productive Bureaucrat and Writer
The meeting also highlighted an appreciation from Sastri Bakry for Yozarwardi, who, despite his position as a bureaucrat, remains active in writing. During the meeting, Yozarwardi handed over three of his books to the IMLF committee:
1. Managing Forests with Heart
2. Social Forestry to Eradicate Poverty from the Margins
3. Planting Dreams for the Future with Forests
In return, DPD SatuPena Sumbar presented four books written by its members to Yozarwardi.
“I highly appreciate Mr. Secretary’s dedication to the world of literacy. He is proof that a leader not only works for the community but also inspires through written works,” said Sastri.
Fostering Hope and Optimism
With synergy between the government and literacy communities like DPD SatuPena, the third IMLF is expected to be more than just a ceremonial event but a driving force for positive change. As Indonesia’s third president, BJ Habibie, once said: “Success belongs to those who keep striving and believing.”
IMLF is proof that literacy can bridge connections not only in West Sumatra but also worldwide. Through this festival, West Sumatra is ready to showcase its vital role in the global cultural and literacy map. *)
Writer is LM: forumsumbar.com; Satu Pena, FSM, assisted by AI
