A dynamic celebration of global ideas, IMLF 2025 presents West Sumatra as a vibrant hub of literature, art, and unity

West Sumatra is currently in the spotlight of the global literacy community with the ongoing 3rd International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF) 2025, taking place from May 8 to May 12. With the theme “Cultural Literacy for Peace and Prosperity,” the festival serves as a platform for collaboration and dialogue among writers, thinkers, artists, and literacy enthusiasts from around the world.

This year, IMLF is being held across four major cities in West Sumatra: Padang, Painan, Padang Panjang, and Bukittinggi. A vibrant array of activities is currently underway, including seminars, parallel discussions, writing workshops, literary tourism visits, traditional art performances, and poetry readings. The festival also features a book fair, a Minangkabau culinary bazaar, and the launch of various literary works.

IMLF 2025 is organized through a collaboration between Satu Pena Sumatera Barat—a branch of the Indonesian Writers Association (IPI)—and the Sumbar Talenta Indonesia Foundation (STIF). After successfully hosting delegates from 12 countries in 2023 and 17 countries in 2024, this third edition is expected to welcome representatives from 20 countries, with more than 200 international participants in attendance.

Over the course of the festival, 30 prominent speakers are sharing their insights in various sessions. In addition to addressing issues related to literacy and culture, IMLF also serves as a stage for artistic performances, cultural exhibitions, and interactive sessions that reflect the collaborative spirit of Minangkabau tradition.

The event is strongly supported by the Language Development and Cultivation Agency under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. The Head of Language and Literature Development, Ganjar Harimansyah, stated that IMLF represents a strategic initiative to introduce Minangkabau literacy to the international stage while strengthening Indonesian literature as a medium for cultural diplomacy.

Prominent figures are also participating in the opening and other festival activities, including IMLF III Chairperson Sastri Bakry, Secretary Armaidi Tanjung, Vice Chairs Soni Drestiana and Mira Gusvina, as well as representatives from the Language Center such as Abdul Safii, Frista Nanda Pratiwi, Laveta Pamela Rianas, and Puteri Asmaini.

With a spirit of unity and cross-cultural exchange now flourishing at IMLF 2025, West Sumatra has become a global hub of literary dialogue—amplifying peace, celebrating diversity, and fostering hope for a more culturally enriched future.

photo source : instagram.com/imlfest_

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