Advancing SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 4 (Quality Education): Universitas Andalas Faculty of Humanities Prepares to Collaborate in IMLF-4 in Bukittinggi

Padang, November 18, 2025 — As part of its contribution to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), the Faculty of Humanities (FIB) Universitas Andalas has expressed its readiness to collaborate in supporting the Fourth International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF-4), which will be held in early June 2026 in Bukittinggi.

The commitment was conveyed by the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Dr. Ike Revita, S.Sos., M.Hum., during a meeting with IMLF-4 Chair Sastri Bakry and the organizing committee at the dean’s office. The meeting was attended by Vice Dean I Zulprianto, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., Vice Dean II Alex Darmawan, S.S., M.A., and Manager Ria Febrina. Meanwhile, Sastri Bakry was accompanied by IMLF-4 Secretary Armaidi Tanjung, Vice Chair Soni Drestiana, and Theater Coordinator Dr. Sastra Munarfi.

During the meeting, Ike Revita emphasized that FIB Universitas Andalas possesses strong human resources ready to contribute intellectually, both from lecturers and students. She highlighted that participation in an international event such as IMLF-4 represents an important opportunity to strengthen the institution’s role in advancing literacy and cultural development.

“With the opportunity to be involved in this prestigious international event, it is both an honor and a source of pride for FIB Universitas Andalas. Through this collaboration, we are ready to move forward with a new perspective and provide maximum support,” she stated.

IMLF-4 Chair Sastri Bakry expressed appreciation for FIB Universitas Andalas’ readiness to contribute. She explained that the faculty’s involvement is expected to go beyond participation, including roles as keynote and parallel session speakers, as well as moderators in academic forums involving international delegates. She noted that IMLF-3 in May 2025 attracted participants from 24 countries, while IMLF-4 is expected to expand participation to 30 countries.

In addition, students from FIB Universitas Andalas will have the opportunity to participate as volunteers, with English proficiency as a key requirement. Volunteers will be selected based on the needs of the event, following the experience of previous festivals.

Beyond the main event, a series of pre-IMLF-4 activities will also be आयोजित, including focused discussions, book reviews, and writing workshops. In these activities, FIB Universitas Andalas is also expected to contribute as speakers and moderators.

At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to formalize their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a commitment to sustained partnership in the future.

Through this collaboration, the Faculty of Humanities Universitas Andalas reaffirms its role as an active academic institution in promoting literacy and cultural development at the international level, while strengthening global partnerships in the field of humanities.