Satupena West Sumatra Ready to Support 100 Years of Jam Gadang
PADANG—Satupena West Sumatra is ready to support the Bukittinggi City government’s plan to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Jam Gadang in 2026.
This support will be demonstrated by organizing the fourth International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF) centered in Bukittinggi City.
This aligns with the hope of Bukittinggi Mayor Ramlan Nurmatias to bring in writers, literary figures, artists, academics, and cultural figures from various countries to enliven the event.
This was stated by Sastri Bakry, Chairperson of the Satupena West Sumatra Regional Representative Council (DPD), on Thursday (July 10, 2025) at the Satupena West Sumatra Regional Representative Council Secretariat, Jalan Cindua Mato No. 13, Lapai Padang, while receiving a visit from the Bukittinggi City Archives and Library Office.
Sastri Bakry expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in Bukittinggi Mayor Ramlan Nurmatias by requesting that the fourth IMLF be centered in Bukittinggi.
As stated at the closing ceremony of the third IMLF on May 11, 2025, at the Jam Gadang Bukittinggi Clock Tower.
“The arrival of the Bukittinggi City Archives and Library Service demonstrates the seriousness and dedication of the Bukittinggi City Government to collaborate in holding international-level events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Jam Gadang Clock Tower,” said Sastri Bakry, accompanied by the Secretary of Satupena West Sumatra, Armaidi Tanjung, and Satupena West Sumatra member Siska Saputri.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Bukittinggi City Archives and Library Service, represented by the Head of Literacy System Development, Yusnimar, and the Head of Archives, Antoni Samawi, requested a more detailed explanation of the IMLF planning.
“We want a clearer and more detailed picture of the various activities held during the IMLF. This is important to understand to facilitate the budget planning process, which areas the Bukittinggi City Government can support,” said Yusnimar.
She also sought to understand the extent of involvement of other regional government agencies (OPDs) in the IMLF implementation.
Where can other regional government agencies (OPDs) play a role in supporting the success of the fourth IMLF collaboration and the 100th anniversary of the Clock Tower?
“It turns out that not one OPD is involved in the implementation of the ILMF. Many other OPDs are involved in supporting it. Therefore, this meeting is very important for us to bring up in future meetings,” said Yusnimar, which was echoed by Antoni Samawi.
The meeting concluded with various agreements that will be brought up in follow-up meetings with the leadership.
The shared hope is that the Jam Gadang centenary celebration will be a momentum for exploring the history and promoting tourism and culture in Bukittinggi, involving the people. (***)
Contributor: Lasman Simanjuntak
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