Jam Gadang Centenary to Headline International Minangkabau Festival

Yogo (left) with two Indonesian consulate officers.

28 May 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The upcoming 100th anniversary celebration of Jam Gadang, Bukittinggi’s iconic clock tower, will be among the main highlights of the 4th International Minangkabau Literacy Festival.

The festival, scheduled to take place from June 3 to 7, 2026, will showcase the rich culture and heritage of the Minangkabau community in West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience Padang’s renowned traditional cuisine as part of efforts to strengthen international friendship through food, said Indonesian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu Consul for Economy, Yogo Pamungkas.

Among the key activities lined up for the festival are the planting of 100 trees by local representatives and international delegates, 100 poetry readings, the simultaneous launch of 100 cross-border literary works, and a grand parade featuring 1,000 women dressed in traditional attire.

One of the unique aspects of Jam Gadang is its close connection to London’s Big Ben, as both share a similar mechanical system and were produced by the same manufacturer.

According to Yogo, the festival will feature a packed itinerary, with one of the major attractions taking place on the fourth day — a large-scale parade involving thousands of women in traditional costumes.

Padang’s most celebrated dish, rendang, will also take centre stage during the event. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of Indonesian cuisine, rendang derives its name from the word “merendang”, a slow-cooking process that can take up to two days and two nights, allowing the meat to absorb the rich spices completely.

“Our premise is simple: we can build friendships through food,” he said.

Padang cuisine is internationally recognised and remains highly popular among lovers of Indonesian food around the world.

The region is also known for its distinctive coffee mixed with egg yolk, a traditional beverage enjoyed by locals.

Yogo described Bukittinggi as a cool highland destination blessed with breathtaking natural scenery, much of which remains unspoilt despite ongoing development.

The festival also aims to foster long-term cooperation with Sabah journalists, travel agents and influencers in promoting tourism and cultural exchanges between Sabah and Indonesia.

He added that Indonesia and Sabah have long shared close ties, with many Indonesian parents choosing Sabah as a destination for their children to study the Chinese language.