100-Meter Chinese Muslim Calligraphy Exhibited in Bukittinggi

RRI.CO.ID, Bukittinggi - A monumental 100‑metre calligraphy work by Chinese Muslim artist Yusuf Liu Baojun is on display in Bukittinggi in West Sumatra as part of this year’s International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF) and the centenary commemoration of Jam Gadang.

The exhibition links visual art, literacy and cultural tourism while offering visitors a chance to reflect on spiritual meanings expressed through Islamic calligraphy.

The exhibition of Yusuf’s calligraphy has become one of the highlights of the city’s 100‑year Jam Gadang program and the IMLF lineup. It aims to create a shared space where art, culture and spiritual values intersect and can be appreciated by the general public.

Deputy Mayor of Bukittinggi, Ibnu Asis, praised Yusuf Liu for his dedication and contribution in bringing high‑value Islamic calligraphic art to the city. He emphasized that the pieces do more than showcase aesthetic beauty, they communicate deep spiritual messages.

"The sacred meanings contained in the Quran can be presented through magnificent and aesthetic calligraphy. This exhibition not only showcases the extraordinary richness of Islamic art but also serves as a means of promoting Bukittinggi's culture and tourism as the center of Minangkabau highland civilization," said Ibnu Asis, as quoted by Antara.

The event supports IMLF’s goal of introducing Minangkabau culture and Bukittinggi’s tourism potential to an international audience, officials said.

Harneli Mahyeldi, known as West Sumatra Literacy Mother, urged local residents to seize the opportunity to view the rare exhibition while it runs.

"We invite the entire community to come and see these beautiful and meaningful calligraphy works firsthand. This exhibition is part of the 100th anniversary of the Jam Gadang and a series of ongoing IMLF activities," she said.

Both officials expressed admiration as they viewed the monumental 100‑metre calligraphy displayed in the exhibition area. They also examined several of Yusuf Liu’s other works up close while listening to explanations about the meanings and philosophies embedded in each piece.

Yusuf Liu Baojun, an internationally known Chinese calligrapher and author now based in Malaysia, has produced at least 37 books and hundreds of artworks. His works are displayed in venues including the Ruang Rapat Istana Bung Hatta in Bukittinggi.

He previously demonstrated the making of a 25‑metre calligraphy at the Wara‑Wiri Creative Economy Festival in Jakarta. In addition to the exhibition, Yusuf Liu launched his latest book, One Eternal Soul in Sumatra, timed with the release of 100 books within the IMLF program. ***