The Third International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF-3): “Language, Literature, Arts, and Culture Literacy for Peace” – Malaysia Shows the Strongest Enthusiasm
By Leni Marlina)*
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Padang, Suaraanaknegerinews.com – The Third International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF-3), scheduled to take place from May 8 to 12, 2025, in Padang and Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, is set to captivate the literary world with its theme: “Language, Literature, Arts, and Culture Literacy for Peace.”
Image source: Documentation of Sastri Bakry, IMLF-2 via LM.
This festival will not only serve as a gathering for writers, artists, cultural figures, poets, authors, academics, and cultural activists from around the globe, but it also stands as a symbol of the collective struggle to promote global peace through the power of language, literature, arts, and culture.
With the participation of delegations from various countries, the event strengthens its position as a bridge between cultures—a creative space that celebrates diversity while voicing the hope for a more peaceful world.
Beyond an intellectual meeting, the festival illustrates how literature, arts, and culture can build bridges of peace that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
Malaysia Sets a New Record at IMLF-3: A Strong Commitment to Nusantara’s Literature, Arts, and Culture
IMLF-3 marks a new milestone with Malaysia setting a record for the highest number of delegations.
More than 100 delegates from various sectors—including literary communities, the arts, royalty, and academia—will contribute to the development of Nusantara’s literature, arts, and culture.
Armaidi Tanjung, Secretary of the IMLF-3 Committee, expressed his pride over Malaysia’s participation, which increased by more than 300 percent compared to the previous year.
“At IMLF-3, Malaysia is sending nearly 100 delegates from various backgrounds, including literary, arts, academia, and government representatives.
This shows an extraordinary commitment to building Nusantara’s literature, arts, and culture together with Indonesia,” said Armaidi Tanjung during the preparation evaluation meeting at the SatuPena West Sumatra Secretariat.
Malaysia’s large presence highlights their efforts to strengthen cultural ties between the two neighboring nations, and reaffirms the role of literature, arts, and culture as instruments of diplomacy—fostering mutual understanding and celebrating cultural differences.
Diverse Delegations: Building a Global Network for Literature, Arts, and Culture
Malaysia’s delegation includes several prominent literary and artistic groups, such as the Sastra Mahakarya group led by Daniel Sankar, which is sending 52 participants;
UKM Mawar Lestari led by Chef Dr. Liza Zainol, with 20 participants; and five representatives from the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) led by Harlym Yeo.
Additionally, the Malaysian Literary Writers’ Association (Pena Malaysia), led by Dr. Saleeh Rahamad, is sending seven delegates, and a group of writers from Sabah led by Khatarina Sitaim will also attend, comprising nine participants.
This diversity not only enriches the festival’s activities but also underscores the importance of international collaboration in strengthening literary, artistic, and cultural ties.
The festival will gather writers, academics, government representatives, artists, and cultural practitioners from all over the world, creating an interdisciplinary dialogue.
Besides Malaysia, countries such as Japan, India, Croatia, and various nations from Europe and Oceania are sending significant numbers of delegates.
In total, participants from 24 countries will attend IMLF-3, an increase compared to the previous edition’s 20 countries.
This diversity highlights how literature, arts, and culture can bridge cultures and nations, creating spaces for idea exchange that contributes to global peace.
Language, Literature, Arts, and Culture as Tools for Peace: Implications for Asia and the World
Carrying the theme “Language, Literature, Arts, and Culture Literacy for Peace,” IMLF-3 invites all participants to reflect on and commit to the role of literature, arts, and culture as instruments for peace and social justice.
As Milan Kundera once said, literature, arts, and culture are “a force subtler and stronger than weapons because they touch the human soul.”
IMLF-3 is not just a celebration of literature, arts, and culture—it is a call to cultivate global awareness of the importance of preserving peace through cultural expressions.
In an era of increasing political and social tensions, the festival provides a vital space to celebrate diversity and foster mutual understanding.
It reminds us that literature, arts, and culture are not merely about the beauty of words or performances, but about the universal values of humanity.
Participants from diverse cultural backgrounds and nations will exchange perspectives to deepen their understanding of literature, arts, and culture as a collective force.
In this context, Indonesia, as the host, plays a strategic role in bridging differences and strengthening unity through the love of language, literature, arts, and culture.
The festival’s emphasis on peace underscores that these cultural expressions can inspire broader social change and positive action for future generations.
Economic and Social Impact for West Sumatra
The festival is expected to have a positive economic and social impact beyond the literary world.
With the influx of international delegates, the tourism, hospitality, and culinary sectors in Padang and Bukittinggi are poised to experience a significant boost.
“Delegates will stay in local hotels and enjoy Minangkabau cuisine, which will certainly increase hotel occupancy rates and benefit local MSMEs,” said Armaidi Tanjung.
This will create tangible economic benefits for the local community, boosting demand for tourism services and increasing the visibility of local culture.
It will also provide opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to grow, showing that large cultural events like IMLF-3 can serve as economic engines for regional development.
Inspiring Future Generations
IMLF-3 underscores the crucial role of literacy in human life, especially for younger generations. In a broader sense, the festival is a platform for intellectual development, creativity, and peacebuilding relevant to today’s world.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Through literacy, literature, arts, and culture, IMLF-3 reignites the spirit of promoting world peace.
As part of the program, delegates will also visit new tourist attractions such as Goa Kelelawar (Bat Cave) in Padang and Ngarai Barasok (Barasok Canyon) in Bukittinggi—both rich in history and culture.
These visits offer a deeper appreciation of Indonesia’s natural and cultural wealth while strengthening bonds among participating countries, highlighting the importance of cultural tourism in promoting Indonesia on the world stage.
Looking Ahead: IMLF as an International Bridge for Literature, Arts, and Culture
Building on the momentum of IMLF-1 in 2023 and IMLF-2 in 2024, IMLF-3 in 2025 is more than just a festival; it paves the way for stronger local, national, and international literary, artistic, and cultural development. With growing participation from around the world and the launch of literary and artistic works involving authors from various countries, the festival paints a bright picture of an inclusive and hopeful global cultural future.
Language, literature, arts, and culture are not only about aesthetic beauty and captivating performances—they are about hope for humanity and peace. Through IMLF-3 in 2025, the public will increasingly realize the importance of preserving linguistic, literary, artistic, and cultural diversity, and the vital role of international cooperation in creating a more peaceful, just, and prosperous world.
*(Leni M. – Editorial Board of suaraanaknegerinews.com. Assisted by AI. Source of information and photos: Sastri Bakry – SatuPena West Sumatra, IMLF-3.
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