Indonesian-Made Folding Bike Celebrates Nation's 75th Independence Day

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The folding bike catches the viewer’s attention, not least because of its color scheme. The black seat, handlebar as well as front wheel effortlessly give way to a white and red frame, an element strikingly highlighted in the rim of the back wheel.

The year 1945, which marks Indonesia's declaration of independence, is emblazoned near the frame, as are the pictures of country’s first President Soekarno and his Vice President Muhammad Hatta.

A glance is enough to show that nationalism is now a part of the equation in Indonesia’s renewed love affair with bicycles.

This is the statement that the bike’s manufacturer, Indonesian fashion startup Damn! I Love Indonesia, set out to make.

Also read: Made-in-Indonesia Bike Startup's Sales Skyrocket after Jokowi Buys Two Units

“The [folding bicycle] is named Sepeda Kemerdekaan [Independence Bike]]. It is launched ahead of [Indonesia’s] Independence Day [on August 17],” said Damn! I Love Indonesia CEO Daniel Mananta.

A collaboration between Damn! I Love Indonesia and Indonesian folding bike manufacturer Element, Sepeda Kemerdekaan epitomized its manufacturers’ vision.

“[Damn! I Love Indonesia] always strives to be a platform for young people to show their patriotism through their lifestyle,” Daniel added. “It is only fitting that we made Sepeda Kemerdekaan, as cycling is recently making a comeback as a lifestyle trend.”

Standing on 20-inch wheels and RD Sensah Empire shifters, the bike’s FoldX X-Lite alloy fork and frame make it a sturdy, trim and aesthetically pleasing platform to celebrate its nationalist message.

Damn! I Love Indonesia X Element Detail of Sepeda Kemerdekaan with Soekarnos likeness

Also read: Coronavirus: More Cyclists to Keep Fit, Bike Sales Boom in Indonesia

"We, the people of Indonesia, hereby declare the Independence of Indonesia," went an English translation of the proclamation next to Soekarno’s likeness. This is just as apt, since he intoned the words that set Indonesia on the road to independence.

The other end of the frame features a picture of Hatta and his quote "Matters which concern the transfer of power and other things will be executed by careful means and in the shortest possible time."

Garuda Pancasila labels on the lower frame and bicycle lock complete the panoply.

Anyone who wants to give the bike a go can do so by forking out Rp. 10.625.000 ($729.37). While the cost might be relative, the notion of affirming one’s identity while keeping in shape is priceless. 

(Editor : Wisnubrata)

Sources: 

https://lifestyle.kompas.com/read/2020/07/22/080800820/melihat-dari-dekat-sepeda-kemerdekaan-damn-i-love-indonesia-x-element.