PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government provides performance space for young musicians through the 2026 Swara Merdeka Red and White Concert.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan attended the concert at Bandung City Hall Plaza on August 18, 2026.

Farhan said Bandung has a long history as the birthplace of musicians and artists who are known internationally.

According to him, the strength of Bandung music does not only come from senior musicians, but continues to grow through young talents.

"Every August 18th since last year, we have been committed to providing a world-class stage for young musicians, musicians who consistently create and pursue careers in the music world in Bandung," said Farhan.

He believes that the quality of young Bandung musicians is no less than that of talents who are already known to the wider public.

The Bandung City Government provides a performance space as a platform for expression and appreciation for musicians who consistently produce work.

"Other cities may call themselves music cities, but Bandung is a city of musicians," he said.

Farhan said that Bandung has given birth to musicians from across generations such as Titiek Puspa, Darol Iskandar, Bimbo, Purwacaraka, Titi DJ, Elfa Secioria, and Dwiki Dharmawan.

Bandung's music ecosystem is also encouraged to develop through exploration spaces to produce innovative contemporary musical works.

"It's time for Bandung to become a city where current and future musical ideas thrive," he explained.

The Red and White Concert features the Bandung Jazz Orchestra, a combined marching band of Nawala Pos, Gita Pakuan, Lokomotif, Ale Aulia, and Kiki Julia.

Other performers include Lia Amalia, Rosemary Jane, Salam Ander Voice, Tiara Efendi, Fico and Jauhari, and Harmonia Abdi Negara Bandung.

Farhan appreciated the musicians and performers who helped enliven the independence celebrations through musical performances.

According to him, the diversity of performers shows that Bandung continues to have musical talents who are actively working and need a space for appreciation.

In addition to the performance, Farhan invited the public to ignite the spirit of independence through a message of struggle that remains relevant.

"There was a decree proposed by Otto Iskandar Dinata in the Indonesian parliament at that time, that every greeting on Indonesian soil should begin and end with the word 'merdeka'," he said.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)