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| Acaranya |
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Regional Division II West Sumatra warmly welcomed guests and delegates of the 4th International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF) upon their arrival in West Sumatra at Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) Railway Station on Wednesday (June 3). The welcoming ceremony reflected KAI’s support for this international event, which highlights the richness of Minangkabau literacy, culture, and history.
The 4th IMLF in 2026 carries the theme “Jam Gadang, The Heartbeat of the Capital City” and forms part of the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of Jam Gadang. The month-long celebration throughout June 2026 is divided into two main segments: literacy activities from June 3–7, 2026, and arts, cultural, and historical programs from June 7–21, 2026.
Organized in collaboration with the Satu Pena Foundation of West Sumatra, the festival brings together approximately 250 delegates from 36 countries. Participants will engage in a variety of programs covering history, creative economy, tourism, social issues, education, urban planning, literature, culture, and Minangkabau traditions. These activities serve as a platform to explore and revitalize the values that have shaped Minangkabau identity throughout the century-long journey of Jam Gadang.
Upon arriving at Minangkabau International Airport, delegates were greeted with a distinctive Minangkabau cultural welcome prepared jointly by the organizing committee and KAI Regional Division II West Sumatra. The welcoming program featured traditional dance performances, poetry readings, Minangkabau culinary specialties, a brief introduction to railway services in West Sumatra, and a photo session aboard the Minangkabau Express train with train crew members before the delegates continued their journey to Bukittinggi.
Head of KAI Regional Division II West Sumatra, Lutfi Wijaya, stated that KAI fully supports the 4th International Minangkabau Literacy Festival and the 100th Anniversary of Jam Gadang as an important opportunity to introduce Minangkabau cultural heritage to the international community.
“The presence of delegates from various countries is a source of pride for West Sumatra. KAI Regional Division II West Sumatra is committed to supporting the entire series of IMLF activities and the 100th Anniversary of Jam Gadang celebration. We hope this event will further strengthen West Sumatra’s position as a world-class destination for culture, literacy, and tourism,” said Lutfi Wijaya.
In line with this, Head of Public Relations of KAI Regional Division II West Sumatra, Reza Shahab, stated that KAI’s participation in welcoming the delegates reflects the company’s commitment to supporting activities that generate positive impacts for the region.
“KAI Regional Division II West Sumatra is proud to be part of the 2026 International Minangkabau Literacy Festival. The presence of delegates from around the world provides an important opportunity to showcase Minangkabau culture while introducing railway transportation services in West Sumatra that are safe, comfortable, and environmentally friendly,” said Reza.
Meanwhile, Bukittinggi Mayor Ramlan Nurmatias, during a coordination meeting at the Mayor’s Official Residence, expressed appreciation to all parties supporting the 4th IMLF and the 100th Anniversary of Jam Gadang celebrations, including KAI Regional Division II West Sumatra, which played a role in welcoming delegates and invited guests.
“The International Minangkabau Literacy Festival and the 100th Anniversary of Jam Gadang represent a historic moment for Bukittinggi to introduce the richness of Minangkabau culture, literacy, and values to the world. The participation of delegates from 36 countries is both an honor and an opportunity to strengthen international cultural and tourism networks. We hope they will have a memorable experience during their stay in Bukittinggi and West Sumatra,” said Ramlan Nurmatias.
Appreciation was also expressed by Sastri Bakry, Chairperson of the 4th International Minangkabau Literacy Festival, who emphasized that the support provided by KAI Regional Division II West Sumatra has been instrumental in ensuring the success of this year’s festival.
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to KAI Regional Division II West Sumatra for the support and warm welcome extended to the delegates of the 4th IMLF. KAI’s involvement has helped create a comfortable and memorable experience for guests from various countries visiting West Sumatra. This partnership represents a strong collaboration in making both the IMLF and the 100th Anniversary of Jam Gadang a success,” said Sastri Bakry.
One of the delegates, Armin Limo, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, shared his appreciation for the hospitality he received and for Indonesia’s railway development.
“My name is Armin Limo, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am truly honored and delighted to be here, and I would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome and hospitality I have received since my arrival. It is a pleasure to attend the International Minangkabau Literacy Festival and join fellow members of the diplomatic corps in this important event. I once had the opportunity to experience the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Railway, which was truly remarkable. The journey was comfortable, modern, and efficient, and I can confidently say it was one of the best train experiences I have ever had. Coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina, where we do not yet have railway services of this speed and quality, I was genuinely impressed by Indonesia’s railway development. I look forward to participating in the festival and learning more about the culture and achievements of this wonderful region.”
A positive impression was also shared by May, a delegate from Australia, who praised the selection of BIM Railway Station as the venue for the welcoming ceremony.
“I am originally from Vietnam and currently reside in Australia. I am very pleased to be part of the International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF). Holding the welcoming event at BIM Railway Station is a wonderful idea, as it not only highlights one of the region’s iconic public spaces but also attracts the attention of the wider community. I believe this festival will strengthen cultural connections, promote literacy, and create meaningful exchanges of ideas among participants from different countries and backgrounds. I am truly enjoying my time here. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the venue provides a memorable experience for all delegates.”
Through its support for the 4th International Minangkabau Literacy Festival and the 100th Anniversary of Jam Gadang, KAI Regional Division II West Sumatra reaffirms its commitment to supporting national and international events that contribute to tourism development, cultural preservation, literacy advancement, and regional economic growth. KAI hopes that this collaboration will further strengthen West Sumatra’s image as a global destination for culture and literacy while encouraging greater mobility among residents and visitors to the Minangkabau homeland.
