By PAUL MU
muvitet@gmail.com
KOTA KINABALU: The upcoming 100th anniversary celebration of Jam Gadang, a landmark in Bukittinggi, will be among the highlights of the 4th International Minangkabau Literacy Festival.
The programme, to be held from June 3 to 7, 2026, will showcase the rich culture and heritage of the Minangkabau community in West Sumatra, Indonesia.
Visitors will also be introduced to Padang’s famous traditional cuisine as part of efforts to foster international friendship through food, said Indonesian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu Consul for Economy, Yogo Pamungkas.
The programme will also include the planting of 100 trees by local representatives and delegates from around the world, 100 poetry readings, the simultaneous launch of 100 cross-border literary works, and will culminate in a parade involving 1,000 women dressed in traditional attire.
One of the special features of Jam Gadang is that it is closely linked to Big Ben in London, as both share a similar mechanical system and were produced by the same manufacturer.
According to Yogo Pamungkas, the event will feature a packed schedule of activities, with one of the main highlights taking place on the fourth day — a parade involving thousands of women in traditional clothing.
The most famous dish in Padang is rendang, regarded as “the head of the dish” because of its cultural importance in Indonesian cuisine.
“Our premise is simple: we can make friends through food,” he said.
Padang cuisine is recognised not only as part of Indonesia’s food heritage, but also worldwide among those craving Indonesian dishes.
The word rendang originates from ‘merendang’, a cooking process that can take two days and two nights, with the meat slowly cooked over low heat until the sauce is fully absorbed.
Padang is also known for its unique beverage, coffee mixed with egg yolk.
Yogo said Bukittinggi is a cool highland area with breathtaking natural scenery, much of which remains pristine although some parts have undergone development.
The event also aims to build long-term cooperation with Sabah journalists, travel agents and influencers to promote tourism and cultural exchanges between the two regions.
He added that Indonesia and Sabah have long shared close ties, with many Indonesian parents sending their children to Sabah to study the Chinese language.
Yogo (left), with two Indonesian consulate officers.
