(Written and copyright by MULTICULTURAL PRESS TEAM)
In a world growing increasingly fragmented by conflict and digital overload, a rare event in the lush valleys and coastal cities of West Sumatra offers an antidote rooted in language, culture, and shared humanity. This May, the International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF) returns for its third and most ambitious edition yet, a celebration of stories, songs, food, and traditions that span continents but converge in the heart of the Minangkabau highlands.
A FESTIVAL BEGINS WITH A STORY: On a quiet evening in Ubud, Bali, a used book seller once sat transfixed as a group of international travellers gathered before an open stage. There, under the velvet sky, poems were recited in languages ranging from English and Hindi to Bahasa Melayu. An elderly poet from India gently held the hands of Balinese children and offered a love poem to the Earth. The next year, inspired by that memory, the book seller opened a small community reading room called “Rumah Kata.” “Because poetry came to our village,” he said, “the children began to dream farther.”
THAT STORY IS FICTION, BUT IT MIGHT AS WELL BE PROPHECY: IMLF, too, was born from dreams. Dreams that stories could travel. That children in remote villages could hear voices from Senegal and Switzerland. That poetry might be the bridge between a grandmother in Padang and a playwright from Paris. Dreams that the world could meet, not in boardrooms or battlegrounds, but in circles of shared words, meals, and meaning.
THE FESTIVAL IS A CULTURAL RENAISSANCE IN WEST SUMATRA: The Third Edition of IMLF takes place from May 8 to 11, 2025, in Padang, Padang Panjang, and Bukittinggi, three culturally rich cities in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Hosted by Satu Pena Sumatera Barat (a branch of the Indonesian Writers Association) and Sumbar Talenta Indonesia Foundation (STIF), and supported by partners such as Denny JA Foundation, Amind Foundation, and the governments of West Sumatra, Padang, and Bukittinggi, this year’s event promises more than just a festival, it promises a new kind of diplomacy: cultural diplomacy built on trust, taste, and text. The guiding theme of IMLF 3 is “Language, Literature, and Culture for Peace”, a gentle but urgent reminder that in an age of noise, the quiet power of words still matters.Chaired by the indefatigable Sastri Bakri, IMLF has rapidly grown from a regional experiment into a respected international platform for literary and cultural exchange. “We are expecting more than 200 participants this year,” Bakri said. “Writers, researchers, activists, and students will gather to explore the ever-evolving worlds of literacy, language, and cultural expression.”
VOICES WITHOUT BORDERS: GLOBAL GUESTS, LOCAL ANCHORS: This year’s festival boasts an impressive delegation from 24 countries, up from 17 last year. Among the anticipated guests are ambassadors from Ethiopia, Djibouti, and the African Union, alongside renowned author and diplomat Albusya Basnur, who will launch a new and important book during the event. Artists and thinkers joining IMLF 3 include: Okky Madasari, acclaimed Indonesian novelist and human rights advocate. Jose Rizal Manua, poet and children’s theatre legend. Zamri H. Jamaluddin, Mona Kutia, Ketty Talenta, Ody Talenta, Uchup Talenta, Mira Gusvina, Rani Talenta, and Ferri Anugerah , representing a mix of literary talent, cultural activists, and organizers driving the event’s vision.
The vibrant spirit of the 3rd International Minangkabau Literary Festival (IMLF) in Padang, West Sumatra, was beautifully reflected in the banners displayed at the venue, each an evidence to the festival’s rich confluence of culture, creativity, and collaboration. Among the most striking was the banner announcing, “Word Without Walls”, a major poetry reading segment that took place from May 9–11, 2025, and brought together a breathtaking assembly of some of the world’s greatest contemporary poets. The long and diverse list of participating writers included Aminur Rahman, Dr. Abang Patdeli, Ahmed Zaabar, Alexandra Nicod, Alexis Bernaut, Amanita Sen, Aniek Julinarini, Amaldi Tanjung, Anwar Putra Bayu, Anna Keiko, Barbara Pogacnik, Christine Chen, Edrawati, Hashim Yacoob, Haziqah Binti Sofian Hadi, Haziran Binti Sofian Hadi, Harlym Yeo, Huseein Habasch, Ilhamul Khairi, Irman Syah, Jose Rizal Manua, Kathirina Susanna Tati, Lana Derkac, Leni Marlina, Lenggogeni, Mark MacLeod, Mohd Shareezad, Maya Panajotova, Maarof Salleh, Mai White, Muhammad Sahlan Ramadhan, Solichin, Mutiara Rimba, Nesegul Yasin, Nelli Gusmita, Nurhuda Binti Komaruddin, Nazhatulshima Nolan, Okky Madasari, Pipiet Senja, Reshma Ramesh, Dr. Roziah Binti Rahmli, Rozan Azen Bin Mat Rasip, Rizal Tanjung, Refdinal Muzan, Sante Binti Villiammon, Sefina Minola, Sastri Barky, Sonja Manojlovic, Saleeh Rahamad, Somduta Chatterjee, Siti Monazairin Binti Jelani, Siti Nur Aini Binti Josni, Sudipta Chatterjee, Tendo Taijin, Yenni Ibrahim, Yasuhiro Yatsumoto, Yusuke Miyake, Yozarwadi, and Zainatul Shuhaida Abdul Rahman. (A few artists on this list could not participate). This global panorama of voices gave attendees a chance to witness firsthand the boundless diversity and unifying power of poetry. Adjacent to this was a colorful banner featuring Chef Dr. Liza Zainol, an acclaimed culinary figure and Guinness World Record holder, leading a live cooking demonstration in collaboration with poet and editor Aminur Rahman. The event, supported by H. Fadly Amran and Maigus Nasir, Mayors of Padang, bridged literature and gastronomy in a celebration of shared heritage and artistic exchange. These banners, full of names and faces, stories and spices, captured the soul of IMLF 2025, a celebration where poetry travels without passports and every stanza or recipe is an invitation to connect.
One of the highlights of the International Minangkabau Literary Festival 2025 was the international seminar titled Language, Literature and Culture for Peace, held on May 9 at the Youth Center. The event gathered a distinguished panel of literary and cultural figures from around the globe, including Neshe Yashin (Cyprus), Dr. Mark Macleod (Australia), Lana Derkac and Sonja Manojlovic (Croatia), Alexis Bernaut (France), Dr. Rina Marinta (Indonesia), Yasuhiro Yatsumoto (Japan), and Christine Chen (New Zealand). Their diverse perspectives and experiences enriched the discussion on how language and literature can foster global understanding and peace. The session reflected the festival’s broader mission of cultural exchange and dialogue, strengthening connections among communities through the power of the written and spoken word.
Another key moment of the International Minangkabau Literary Festival 2025 was the vibrant book launching event held the same day. Writers from diverse backgrounds gathered to present their latest works, reflecting a rich composition of literary voices and themes. The backdrop featured dozens of book covers representing fiction, poetry, essays, and cross-cultural anthologies, signalling the international scope of the festival. Authors from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, New Zealand and beyond introduced their publications to an engaged audience, encouraging literary exchange and highlighting the role of storytelling in bridging cultures. The event not only celebrated literary creativity but also served as a platform for building meaningful connections between writers and readers across borders.
The seminar on May 10, 2025, titled “Literature Can Heal Language and Poetry Can Heal Mind,” was a deeply enriching experience for more than 500 local teachers gathered at the Youth Centre. Opening the event, keynote speakers Dr. Ganjar H. Wijaya, an esteemed lecturer and Secretary of the Agency for Language Development, and Drs. Barlius, MM, the current Head of the Education Office of West Sumatera, emphasized the vital role of literature in education and emotional well-being. They were joined by an impressive lineup of international speakers, including Dr. Noor Habibah Binti Kaderan (Malaysia), Alexandra Nicod (Switzerland), Ahmed Zaabar (Tunisia), Dr. Victor Pogadaev (Russia), Sudipta Chatterjee (India), Marc Macleod (Australia), Dr. Saleeh Rahamad (Malaysia), and Okky Madasari, Ph.D. (Indonesia). These distinguished guests shared valuable perspectives on how language and poetry transcend borders, foster empathy, and serve as powerful tools for healing in both classrooms and communities.
POETRY UNDER THE CLOCKTOWER IS THE SOUL OF IMLF: If each festival has a moment that defines it, IMLF 3’s will be the World Poetry Parade “Words Without Walls”, staged on May 11 beneath the iconic Jam Gadang tower in Bukittinggi. Imagine the centuries-old Minangkabau clocktower as witness to verses spoken in dozens of languages, weaving a universal tapestry of longing, peace, and celebration. The parade is not just a recital. It is a ritual of togetherness. Earlier, on May 10, a Makan Bajamba, a communal Minangkabau feast, is planned, symbolizing unity, family, and egalitarian hospitality. It is here, sitting cross-legged among strangers, that many guests first feel the pulse of Minangkabau life.
NOT JUST A FESTIVAL, AN ECOSYSTEM OF LITERACY: Literary festivals are often accused of being elite or inaccessible. IMLF is different. It invites not just poets and scholars but children, homemakers, chefs, elders, and farmers. Schoolchildren in Padang will perform multilingual storytelling sessions. Artists display paintings under the sub-theme “Diversity in One”. Book lovers roam the literary bazaar, where 37 new books was launched and discussed. Tourists will walk through Goa Kelelawar, Indarung Heritage, and the cliffs of Tabiang Barasok, not by tour guides, but by cultural narratives. There are cooking demonstrations, art performances, and seminars on education, identity, and peace-building. The “One World, One Symphony of Culture” concert will bring musicians together for a collaborative exploration of sound and soul. In Sastri Bakri’s words: “Culture is not just something we preserve in museums. It is something we live, share, and grow together with the world.”
On the evening of May 10th, the International Minangkabau Literacy Festival came alive with a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and creativity. The festival grounds transformed into a lively cultural space, where small local shops and food stalls offered traditional crafts, snacks, and books, giving visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the region’s rich cultural flavors. The main stage hosted an impressive array of traditional dance performances by cultural groups from across the region, with standout appearances by local students as well as the Malay and Indian communities. Their colorful costumes and graceful movements captivated the audience, weaving together the diverse cultural threads of West Sumatra. As the night deepened, the atmosphere grew even more joyous. Visitors, locals, and participants alike joined in spontaneous dances, celebrating together under the open sky. It was not just a performance but a heartfelt communal experience—a living expression of cultural harmony. The night also held a moment of special recognition as poet and IMLF Chairperson Sastri Bakri was presented with the prestigious PEACE Award, honoring her tireless dedication to promoting literature as a tool for dialogue and peace. Poets from across the globe stepped up to the microphone to read their works, sharing verses that resonated with themes of identity, resilience, and human connection. Beyond the performances, the event fostered meaningful conversations. Writers, artists, and cultural practitioners gathered in informal networking circles, exchanging ideas, forging new collaborations, and building bridges across borders. It was a night where art and humanity danced hand in hand—leaving a lasting imprint on all who were present. The last day, 11th of May, more activities would happen too and this will come in another article.
LOCAL ROOTS, GLOBAL WINGS: International festivals like IMLF are vital for nurturing cultural pride while embracing global openness. They transform local traditions from passive heritage into active experiences. They let the world see the strength, beauty, and resilience of cultures like Minangkabau, for their matrilineal systems, architectural marvels, culinary delights, and oral traditions. For the people of West Sumatra, IMLF is not just a show, it is a mirror and a beacon. It reflects who they are and shines light on what they can become. The children who hear Hindi poems today may write Arabic ones tomorrow. The mother who once sold rendang in a quiet warung may cook for an audience from Dhaka, Dubai, or Dakar. And as the poem says, under the Minangkabau sky, children write their dreams on palm leaves, each word a seed of hope.
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