Reported by Leni Marlina
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Padang —suaraanaknegerinews.com| The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Andalas University (FIB Unand) has affirmed its full commitment to collaborate in the upcoming Fourth International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF-4), slated to take place in early June 2026 in Bukittinggi. As a state institution specializing in cultural studies in West Sumatra, the faculty emphasized its readiness to contribute both academic expertise and student involvement.
The statement was conveyed by the Dean of FIB Unand, Prof. Dr. Ike Revita, S.Sos., M.Hum, during a meeting with IMLF-4 Chairperson Sastri Bakry and members of the organizing committee on Tuesday, 18 November 2025. Prof. Ike was accompanied by Vice Dean I: Zulprianto, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., Vice Dean II: Alex Darmawan, S.S., M.A., and Faculty Manager: Ria Febrina, M.Hum. Representing the IMLF-4 committee were Secretary: Armaidi Tanjung, Vice Chair: Soni Drestiana, and Theatre Performance Coordinator Dr. Sastra Munarfi.
Prof. Ike, who has served as dean for three months, explained that the faculty is actively strengthening internal coordination to enhance its contributions to the public. She described the invitation to partner with IMLF-4 as both a privilege and a strategic opportunity.
“Being entrusted with participation in an international event of this scale is a source of pride for us. FIB Unand is ready to move forward with a refreshed mindset and provide maximum support to ensure the festival’s success,” she said.
IMLF-4 Chairperson Sastri Bakry, who also leads DPD SatuPena West Sumatra, expressed her appreciation for the faculty’s openness and willingness to collaborate. She noted that IMLF-4 is being prepared with expanded international engagement, targeting delegates from 30 countries, an increase from the 24 represented during the third festival in May 2025.
Sastri highlighted that FIB Unand is expected to play vital roles—including serving as keynote speakers, presenters in parallel sessions, and moderators during international discussions. She also opened opportunities for FIB Unand students to serve as volunteers, with English proficiency as the primary requirement. Volunteers will undergo a selection process; during IMLF-3, two students applied, though one withdrew because of scheduling conflicts.
Ahead of the June 2026 main event, the committee will hold a series of pre-festival activities such as limited discussions, book reviews, writing workshops, and other literacy-focused programs. FIB Unand is encouraged to participate as speakers, moderators, and academic partners.
Both parties agreed to formalize the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure continuity and long-term partnership. The meeting concluded with a group photo as a symbol of shared commitment toward the successful delivery of IMLF-4 in 2026. (LM)
