PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin opened the 11th Soap Box Cart Race in the Sabuga Area of Bandung City, Saturday (12/14/2024). The soap box-shaped vehicle race without an engine was attended by hundreds of participants from various regions in West Java with a variety of unique and interesting trains.

The soap crate cart race attracts thousands of visitors because of its uniqueness and has been legendary since it was first held in the 1950s. For that reason, Bey has coordinated with the Bandung City Government so that the soap crate cart race becomes an annual event because it can boost the tourism sector.

"Yes, we have talked about it and the Bandung City Government will make it an annual event because it will boost the tourism sector," said Bey.

After a 35-year hiatus, the soap crate cart race was held again in 2023 by Daya Mahasiswa Sunda (Damas). Bey said that he had participated in the competition in 1983.

"I used to participate 40 years ago, around 1983. At that time the vehicles were very simple, now they are more modern," he said.

Bey appreciated this year's soap box cart race because it was held in a representative area and did not disrupt traffic flow. The race track is approximately 150 meters long with a sloping road contour because the vehicles do not use engines.

The winner is determined by the one who reaches the finish line the fastest. Therefore, participants must take into account the details of the condition of the wheels and the weight of the soap box.

"Because the distance is short, we have to take into account details such as the wheels, their shape, and so on," said Bey.

There are two classes in this year's soap crate cart race, namely the serious class which emphasizes speed and the entertainment class which presents a variety of soap crate creativity.

"This soap box train race shows that Bandung in particular is never lacking in creativity," said Bey.