Gang Stones: A Unique Tradition Welcoming Independence Day in Bandung
To welcome the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, residents of Gang Stones in Lebak Siliwangi Subdistrict, Coblong District, Bandung City, are joining in the festivities of 17 August with various activities in their neighbourhood.
Gang Stones, as it is commonly known, is an alley with its own distinct identity tied to the British band The Rolling Stones. One of the most iconic symbols is the Rolling Stones logo with its protruding tongue. Residents of Gang Stones have a tradition passed down through generations of loving and admiring the British band.
The spirit of togetherness and identity is visible in how residents welcome and celebrate the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. They have decorated the walls around Gang Stones with an independence theme combined with The Rolling Stones.
The head of RW 06, Ari Friansyah, hopes the murals in Gang Stones will make residents more united. ‘Hopefully this becomes a path for us to collaborate in the future,’ he said.
Still in connection with the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, the walking community Not So Morning Club held an ‘Agustusan in Belitung’ event in the Belitung area of Bandung City on Sunday (16/8).
The activity combined a morning walk, traditional August games, and the use of traditional cloth and batik as a dress code.
The concept of wearing traditional cloth is one way the community introduces Indonesian culture in a relaxed atmosphere close to the lives of young people. The use of cloth is not only reserved for formal events but can also be part of everyday activities.
‘The concept of wearing traditional cloth is an interesting experience, because young people today rarely use cloth in their daily activities. In my opinion, it is very interesting and unique. In our teenage years, we rarely wore cloth and were even embarrassed to. With a concept like this, we become more interested in Indonesian cultures,’ explained Rizki, one of the event participants.
Rija expressed a similar view, saying that the culture of wearing traditional cloth needs to continue to be introduced and normalised among the younger generation. He believes cloth can still be worn in a modern style and is not limited to certain events.
‘The culture of wearing cloth is almost fading due to foreign cultures. It is better that we normalise it; wearing cloth can still be stylish and cool for playing or going out,’ he explained.
Meanwhile, Andi, another participant, said the concept of wearing cloth in the activity serves as a reminder that Indonesian culture can be introduced through simple activities. ‘Today’s cloth-wearing concept is quite unique. We are reminded again that our culture is indeed about wearing cloth,’ he said.
In addition to wearing cloth, the Not So Morning Club’s Agustusan event was also filled with various games and competitions typical of 17 August. The series of activities was part of efforts to create an atmosphere of independence celebration while strengthening togetherness among participants.
Azhar, a member who has been with the Not So Morning Club for quite some time, explained that the Agustusan event maintained the morning walk as the community’s main activity, but was packaged with independence-themed games.
‘Because the theme happens to be Agustusan, our usual fun games were turned into competitions. But the core event remains the morning walk because that is our weekend routine,’ he said.
For participants, the concept made the independence celebration feel more relaxed while providing an opportunity to get to know Indonesian culture. The activity also served as a space for people to meet, move together, and enjoy the August atmosphere. Through this event, the Not So Morning Club demonstrated that cultural introduction can be carried out through simple and enjoyable activities. The culture of wearing cloth was presented not only as a symbol of celebration but also as part of community activities that can be applied in everyday life.