Bamsoet Praises PERIKHSA Riders' First Tour, Urges Unity

The Chairman of the Indonesian Self-Defence Firearms Permit Holders Association (PERIKHSA), Bambang Soesatyo, awarded ‘Wing Riders’ and praised the successful inaugural tour of PERIKHSA Riders. The tour covered a journey from Malang to Bali from 11 to 13 June 2026. The event, attended by PERIKHSA Riders members from various regions, demonstrated that the community of special self-defence firearm permit holders could serve as a role model in building a culture of discipline and riding safety. Bambang Soesatyo also reminded participants not to be easily provoked by the current situation and to safeguard unity and integrity. He urged prioritising the people’s economic interests. Amid increasing public mobility and the rapid growth of the national tourism sector, the touring activity—which upholds ethics and riding safety—conveyed an important message that roads must be safe shared spaces for everyone. Speaking at a gala dinner and the ‘Wing Riders’ awarding ceremony at Black Stone Beach, Bali, on Saturday night, he stated that the tour proved the firearms permit community could set an example by upholding discipline, responsibility, and riding safety. He emphasised that the spirit of brotherhood built during the journey must continue to be nurtured. Bambang Soesatyo explained that choosing Bali as the touring destination carried strategic meaning. Amid uncertain global geopolitical conditions, Bali continues to show strong performance as a locomotive for national tourism. Data from the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS) indicates that foreign tourist visits to Bali throughout 2025 reached around 6.95 million people, an increase of nearly 10 per cent compared to the previous year. The former Speaker of the House of Representatives noted that Bali is Indonesia’s face to the world. When national automotive communities arrive carrying messages of order, brotherhood, and nationalism, they indirectly help maintain Indonesia’s positive image as a safe and cultured country. He assessed that the PERIKHSA Riders tour aligns perfectly with the government’s programme encouraging the strengthening of regional economies through tourism, the creative economy, and MSMEs. The presence of automotive communities in various tourist destinations directly impacts local business operators, from hotels and restaurants to workshops, souvenir centres, and MSMEs scattered along the travel route. This multiplier effect is one reason automotive communities are increasingly viewed as part of the national economic ecosystem. Every well-managed automotive community journey generates economic benefits for the community, filling hotels and restaurants, selling MSME products, and raising awareness of tourist destinations. Consequently, orderly and responsible touring holds significant socio-economic value.