Bukittinggi Strengthens International Diplomacy with the Netherlands and Germany
Bukittinggi, (ANTARA) - The Mayor of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Ramlan Nurmatias, is strengthening international diplomatic networks with the Netherlands and Germany to ensure the success of the 100th anniversary commemoration of the Jam Gadang in 2026.
According to Ramlan Nurmatias in Bukittinggi on Friday, as part of reinforcing these historical ties, the Bukittinggi City Government has extended an invitation to representatives of Queen Wilhelmina’s family to attend the peak of the Jam Gadang centenary celebration, given that the clock tower was built as a gift from the Dutch Queen during the colonial era.
“One of the strategic steps is realised through a meeting with the Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, Marc Gerritsen, and the German Deputy Ambassador, which took place in Jakarta some time ago,” Ramlan said.
The meeting was facilitated and attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia as part of city diplomacy efforts to expand international cooperation in culture, history, and literacy.
This meeting serves as a step to strengthen historical narratives and promote international tourism, considering the historical links of the Jam Gadang with Europe, particularly its clock mechanism technology, which resembles that of Big Ben.
In the dialogue with the Dutch side, discussions focused on reinforcing the historical aspects of the Jam Gadang’s construction.
In addition to being known as a work of local Minangkabau architects, the building also holds international historical value, including the use of clock machinery originating from Germany.
To that end, the Bukittinggi City Government is encouraging cooperation to gain access to original archives and documents of the Jam Gadang’s construction from the 1925 and 1926 period, which are stored in the Netherlands.
“The 100th anniversary of the Jam Gadang will not merely be a ceremony, but packaged as a strategic moment to elevate Bukittinggi onto the international stage through strengthened culture and literacy,” he said.
One of the flagship agendas is the fourth International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF), which will be held from 3 to 7 June 2026.
This festival, he said, is designed as a global collaboration platform, bringing together delegations from 40 countries.
Several main activities that have been prepared include the International Seminar on Bukittinggi-Amsterdam Diplomacy, which reviews the historical and cultural relations between the two regions.
The International Seminar on Jam Gadang Architecture and Clock Mechanism, discussing its technical uniqueness and cultural heritage value, as well as Jam Gadang Cultural events in the form of colossal arts performances in the city’s iconic area.
“In addition, an exhibition of 100 photos tracing the history of the Jam Gadang from era to era will be held as a form of visual documentation of the city’s development. Various supporting activities will also enliven this commemoration, including poetry readings, book launches, photography competitions, and other contests,” he said.
Furthermore, a national seminar on city history will be included, highlighting Bukittinggi’s strategic role as the centre of the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI).
“These efforts are expected to cultivate awareness among the younger generation of the nation’s struggle values while strengthening national character,” he said.