MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has praised the strong sense of community and family spirit within the Vespa enthusiasts' community. According to Bobby, the solidarity built among Vespa riders not only strengthens the community itself but also carries significant social value that can have a positive impact on society as a whole.
Bobby expressed his appreciation when he received the organizers of the "Gelegar Vespa" event and the management of
Binjai Italian Scooter in North Sumatra at an audience held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Tengku Rizal Nurdin Hall on Jalan Sudirman Number 41, Medan.
The meeting discussed plans for the "Gelegar Kontes Vespa Mania 5" and celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of Binjai Italian Scooter. The community event is scheduled to take place from October 17 to 18, 2026, at Lapangan Merdeka in Binjai.
Vespa Solidarity as a Social Strength
Bobby said the appeal of Vespa goes beyond the vehicles' long history or material value, which enthusiasts carefully preserve. Instead, he said the greatest strength of the Vespa community lies in the family ties and sense of solidarity maintained among club members as well as independently organized riders.
"Vespa is a community activity where family solidarity is what matters most. Both those who belong to a club and independent riders demonstrate extraordinary solidarity. This family value certainly cannot be measured in monetary terms,"
Bobby Nasution said.
According to Bobby, this community spirit is closely connected to social life. He expressed hope that the sense of togetherness that has grown among Vespa enthusiasts would not remain limited to the community but could also serve as an example for other groups in society.
He also emphasized that mutual assistance and brotherly solidarity could become social capital when communities face various challenges. For this reason, Bobby called on the Vespa community to preserve these characteristics while expanding their benefits through social activities.
"What we need to do today is continue strengthening the family spirit and brotherly solidarity. When problems arise, both at the regional and national levels, such a community becomes a major force in helping to solve them," he added.
Bobby also expressed his support for his planned visit to the "Gelegar Kontes
Vespa Mania 5." The competition is part of the celebrations marking three decades of
Binjai Italian Scooter in North Sumatra.
He urged the organizing committee to intensify coordination with the relevant authorities within the North Sumatra Provincial Government. Such coordination, he said, is important to ensure that the technical requirements and necessary support for the event are properly addressed and that the entire program runs in an orderly manner.
PRESERVING COMMUNITY AND SOLIDARITY: North Sumatra Governor
Bobby Nasution emphasizes the importance of family spirit and solidarity within the Vespa community as a social strength in society. (PHOTO: Munawar Harahap)
Bobby Calls for Road Safety
In addition to supporting the community's activities, Bobby reminded all participants to pay attention to order and road safety. This applies particularly while traveling to the venue and throughout the various programs of the
Gelegar Vespa event.
Bobby expressed hope that the community would work together with the police to maintain safety and ensure smooth traffic flow. In his view, a community event can provide greater benefits when all participants also contribute to the comfort and safety of residents living around the venue.
"I wish our friends a successful event. Pay attention to your safety on the road, support the police, and make sure this event spreads positive values and joy to the people in the surrounding area," he said.
The message is also part of efforts to ensure that events organized by vehicle and motorcycle communities serve not only as entertainment for participants but also make a positive contribution to their surroundings and society.
The
Gelegar Vespa organizing committee has prepared various activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of
Binjai Italian Scooter. The program includes Vespa-related activities, entertainment and social initiatives involving the local community.
TARGETING 3,000 VISITORS: Gelegar Vespa Organizing Committee Chairman Dwi Rendra Perkasa explains the program for the 30th anniversary of Binjai Italian Scooter, with around 3,000 participants and visitors expected to attend. (PHOTO: Munawar Harahap)
Gelegar Vespa Targets 3,000 Participants
Gelegar Vespa Organizing Committee Chairman Dwi Rendra Perkasa said the event was designed as a large-scale gathering held once every five years. This year, it carries the theme "Jejak Tiga Dekade, Dari Mesin Tua Menjadi Keluarga Seutuhnya," which can be interpreted as "Three Decades of Memories – From Old Engines to a Complete Family."
Dwi explained that the theme reflects the development of the community over three decades. The history of
Binjai Italian Scooter, he said, is not merely about the existence and preservation of Vespa vehicles but also about the family relationships that have developed among community members.
"This event is part of the celebration of our community's 30th anniversary. We have prepared various activities, starting with a tumpeng rice-cone cutting ceremony, competitions for classic and modern Vespa models, joint rides or Sanmori, live music and a social action involving the distribution of basic-needs packages, as well as the involvement of local MSMEs. We expect around 3,000 visitors and participants from North Sumatra, Aceh, Riau and West Sumatra," Dwi Rendra said.
The event series is not intended exclusively for Vespa enthusiasts. The organizing committee is also involving local micro, small and medium enterprises, or MSMEs, in the program. Their participation is expected to provide local entrepreneurs with opportunities to benefit economically from increased public activity during the event.
In addition, the committee is preparing a social initiative to distribute basic-needs packages. The activity reflects the community's social commitment while strengthening the image of the Vespa community as a group that actively contributes to its surrounding social environment.
Alongside the social activities, competitions for classic and modern Vespa models will be among the main attractions. Participants will also be able to join joint rides, known as Sanmori, and enjoy live music prepared by the organizing committee.
Dwi emphasized that the entire event series is being organized independently. The community is relying on self-initiative and the spirit of mutual support among its members to finance and carry out the activities.
According to Dwi, the organizing committee is not using funds from the regional budget, or APBD, to stage the event. Support and participation from community members are important factors in ensuring that the 30th anniversary celebration of
Binjai Italian Scooter can be held.
Also attending the audience with the North Sumatra Governor were Binjai Deputy Mayor Hasanul Jihadi, who serves as patron of the event, as well as advisers and board members of Vespa communities from various regions across North Sumatra.
The presence of community representatives from several regions reflects the extensive network of Vespa enthusiasts who will participate in the event. With community support and coordination with the government and relevant security authorities, the "Gelegar Kontes
Vespa Mania 5" is expected to serve not only as a gathering place for personal interaction but also as a platform that supports social and economic activities among residents around the venue.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala