Indonesia’s commitment to cultural diplomacy took a significant step forward this week as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its full support for the International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF) 2026, an ambitious global gathering that places literacy, heritage, and intercultural dialogue at its heart.
In a strategic meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters on Jalan Taman Pejambon, Jakarta, Secretary General of the Ministry, Denny Abdi, together with Anie Nigeriawati, Director of Public Diplomacy, met with representatives of the IMLF organising committee to discuss preparations for the upcoming festival. The meeting signalled not only institutional endorsement but also a shared vision of culture as a powerful bridge between nations.
Scheduled to take place from 3 to 7 June 2026 in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, the International Minangkabau Literacy Festival will coincide with the centenary celebration of Jam Gadang, the city’s iconic clock tower and a national cultural landmark. The convergence of these two milestones is expected to transform Bukittinggi into a vibrant international hub of ideas, stories, languages, and traditions.
The festival is designed as a broad platform for cultural exchange, welcoming participants from more than 30 countries. Writers, poets, scholars, artists, educators, and cultural practitioners will come together to explore themes of literacy, language, literature, traditional arts, creative economy, tourism, and Minangkabau heritage. Within this framework, IMLF positions itself not merely as a literary event, but as a living expression of Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy in action.
Recognising the symbolic and historical importance of Jam Gadang, Secretary General Denny Abdi has been invited to serve as keynote speaker at the festival’s main seminar, which will reflect on the tower’s century-long presence as a witness to social change, resilience, and cultural continuity.
For Sastri Bakry, Chair of IMLF 2026, and Soni Drestiana, Vice Chair for Liaison and Coordination, the Ministry’s endorsement has brought renewed energy and confidence. They expressed pride in seeing the festival embraced at the highest governmental level, viewing this support as a catalyst for elevating IMLF onto the global cultural stage.
During the meeting, Denny Abdi reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ strong commitment to the festival. He emphasised that IMLF aligns seamlessly with Indonesia’s international engagement strategy, particularly in strengthening people-to-people connections.
“This festival is an integral part of Indonesia’s diplomacy with participating countries,” he noted. “The Ministry is ready to facilitate coordination to ensure the event’s success and to enhance Indonesia’s image internationally. We will also extend invitations to relevant ambassadors to be part of this important moment.”
Fresh from his recent appointment as Chairman of the Alumni Association of Andalas University (IKA Unand), Denny Abdi further demonstrated his personal connection to West Sumatra and its cultural legacy. He also formally assigned Anie Nigeriawati to become directly involved in the organising committee, reinforcing institutional collaboration at a practical level.
Anie Nigeriawati, widely recognised for her multifaceted contributions to cultural diplomacy, highlighted the festival’s role as an effective platform for promoting Minangkabau cultural heritage on a global scale. She underscored the richness of Minangkabau traditions, from oral literature and poetry to music and traditional performances, as invaluable cultural assets that resonate beyond borders.
“The International Minangkabau Literacy Festival will strengthen international relationships through culture,” she said. “We will actively engage ambassadors and cultural attachés to ensure meaningful global participation.”
Support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to significantly accelerate preparations, particularly in areas such as visa facilitation, international promotion, and logistical coordination for overseas delegates. With thousands of visitors projected to attend, the festival is set to become a central highlight of the Jam Gadang centennial celebrations.
The meeting concluded on a warm and symbolic note, marked by the exchange of books and creative works between the IMLF delegation and officials from the Ministry. Among the gifts was a distinctive publication titled ResoNance (rel), presented by the Director of Public Diplomacy, reflecting the shared belief that literature and culture are enduring instruments of connection.
As Indonesia looks ahead to 2026, the International Minangkabau Literacy Festival stands poised to become a proud showcase of the nation’s cultural depth, openness, and commitment to dialogue. With strong support from the central government, IMLF 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark event in Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy, one that speaks not only to the world, but with it.
