PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Vespa Antique Club (VAC) Indonesia community celebrated the 81st anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day by holding a red and white flag parade on Monday (August 17, 2026). The parade began from the parking area of the West Java Pusdai Mosque and ended at Braga Street.

West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan appreciated (VAC) Indonesia for again holding the Red and White Parade to enliven the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

This year's Kirab Merah Putih (Red and White Parade) marks the 28th time the VAC has held the parade. It also serves as a form of nationalist expression for automotive enthusiasts, particularly the vintage scooter community.

"On behalf of the West Java Provincial Government, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the VAC for consistently carrying out the Red and White Parade to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia," said Deputy Governor Erwan when releasing the 28th Red and White Parade of the Vespa Antique Club Indonesia at the West Java Pusdai Parking Area, Bandung City, Monday (17/8/2026).

According to Erwan, VAC's consistency in holding a parade at every Indonesian Independence Day commemoration is part of the historical journey of independence celebrations in West Java.

He also advised all participants to take part in the activity in an orderly, safe manner, and to continue to respect other road users.

"I hope this activity will proceed in an orderly, safe manner, with respect for other road users, and most importantly, with safety and orderly traffic. Please participate in this activity with joy," said Erwan.

Erwan added that every implementation of the Red and White Parade is expected to not only be an opportunity to gather and ride together, but also provide insight and experience for the participants.

"Hopefully, this activity can broaden your horizons. Every year, there's always new history on every Indonesian Independence Day," he said.

Meanwhile, the General Chairman of the Vespa Antique Club (VAC) Indonesia, Dedi Suryadi, also known as Ibonk, expressed his gratitude for the positive response and support from Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan, who is also the VAC Advisor for West Java.

"Thank God, we carried out activities for the Indonesian Independence Day on August 17th. We held a convoy waving the Red and White flag and ended in Braga," he said.

The 28th Red and White Parade of VAC Indonesia is a momentum for Vespa lovers to celebrate independence while fostering a spirit of unity, nationalism, and orderly traffic within the community.

WEST JAVA PUBLIC RELATIONS
Head of the Communication and Information Service of West Java Province
Adi Komar