West Sumatra’s Jam Gadang Centennial Highlights Local Traditions

RRI.CO.ID, Bukittinggi - The 100th anniversary of the Jam Gadang clock tower concluded with a free traditional culinary festival attended by thousands of residents in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

The celebration of the city’s landmark not only commemorated history but also strengthened cultural identity and community solidarity while promoting Bukittinggi at the national and international levels.

Standing 26 meters tall, Jam Gadang is the heart and icon of Bukittinggi. Its name, meaning “big clock” in the Minangkabau language, reflects its cultural significance. Built in 1926 as a gift from the Queen of the Netherlands, the tower has become a symbol of the city’s heritage.

Bukittinggi Mayor Ramlan Nurmatias said the culinary festival embodied community togetherness as it celebrated the centenary. He noted that all food served was donated and distributed directly to providers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), ensuring both social and economic impact.

“This event is from us, for us. What is needed is solidarity, care, a spirit of sharing, and patience. Thankfully, we surpassed our initial target of 20,000 servings, providing 41,790 portions. We thank all the donors, business owners, and migrants who supported us,” Ramlan said, as quoted by Antara.

He added that the centenary was designed not only to commemorate history but also to provide cultural experiences through culinary delights, art, and community activities. “The Bukittinggi city administration plans to keep evaluating similar activities to boost the area’s tourism and culture,” he said.

Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denny Abdi, praised the centenary events as an example of Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy, showcasing Minangkabau’s rich heritage globally.

Speaking at a seminar titled “100 Years of Jam Gadang: From Literacy to Legacy: Building Wealth, Peace, and Sustainability Learning” on June 4, 2026, in collaboration with the International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF), Denny highlighted literacy, arts, and cultural heritage as bridges to strengthen global understanding.

The IMLF saw international participation rise from 12 countries in 2023 to 193 delegates from 37 countries in 2026, reflecting growing global interest in Minangkabau intellectual heritage.

“In the current global climate, we need to encourage more collaboration and mutual understanding. Nations must work together, making cultural understanding a bridge to stronger cooperation,” Denny said.

He emphasized West Sumatra’s potential, encompassing natural beauty, culture, cuisine, and influential figures, and reaffirmed the Foreign Ministry’s support for Bukittinggi’s efforts to expand international cooperation.

As part of the IMLF, Denny also joined a tree-planting campaign to plant 1,000 trees and leave a green legacy while preserving Bukittinggi’s ecosystem.

The event was attended by around 100 participants, including international delegates, local officials, and representatives from partner countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rwanda, and Bulgaria, alongside speakers from the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

The seminar was opened by the Bukittinggi City Council chair, who underscored Jam Gadang’s importance in Indonesia’s history and its role in boosting tourism, culture, and the local economy.

Denny also delivered a public lecture to 300 students and alumni of Andalas University on June 5, 2026, during which he initiated the signing of an MoU to establish the Center for Tunnel and Underground Infrastructure Studies (PUSTROIB), thereby reinforcing collaboration among academia, government, industry, and alumni networks.

The IMLF concluded on June 7, 2026, with the Jam Gadang Fun Run 2026, which drew 2,000 participants, including ambassadors from the Netherlands, Vietnam, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the deputy ambassador of Rwanda.

“The spirit of the Fun Run in celebrating 100 years of Jam Gadang is friendship and collaboration. We are delighted by the enthusiasm of participants, including ambassadors whose presence reflects support and solidarity,” Denny said.

On the sidelines of the festival, the Foreign Ministry facilitated meetings between the Bukittinggi mayor and the ambassadors of the Netherlands and Vietnam to explore sister-city cooperation, the restoration of Jam Gadang, and cultural exchange programs. ***