Surabaya City Council Appreciates Public Enthusiasm at Surabaya Vaganza 2026
Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of the Surabaya City Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), Arif Fathoni, has expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm shown by residents at the Surabaya Extravaganza event held by the Surabaya City Government on Jalan Tunjungan this weekend.
“The public’s presence to enjoy activities in celebration of Surabaya’s anniversary, including the rujak uleg festival and the decorated car parade during the Surabaya Extravaganza, should serve as an impetus for the city government to continue organizing entertainment events for the people of Surabaya,” said Toni in a statement in Surabaya, East Java (Jatim), Sunday.
He stated that after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the central government’s directive on budget efficiency, events in Surabaya experienced a significant decline. However, he added that free music concerts can be a stimulus for economic growth.
“Every music concert will undoubtedly have vendors selling bottled water circulating and other MSMEs who will benefit, so the Surabaya City Government can achieve multiple goals with one action. By providing entertainment, it also helps MSMEs survive,” he said.
He explained that in the midst of the rapid flow of information on social media, some people may feel bored with their daily lives.
“Those who are able might go to a cafe to listen to live music to escape from the pressures of life. If our less fortunate citizens cannot afford to go to cafes, their stress will not be relieved, which could potentially create disharmony in households,” he said.
He explained that currently, information about the current economic conditions is spreading rapidly, both from people with expertise and those who lack the ability to explain the economic situation with the aim of undermining the government’s authority.
“This certainly creates anxiety among the public, so people need an outlet to relieve stress. In the past, they could chat freely at coffee shops. Now, there is a social shift where people are busy with their gadgets in coffee shops, making people feel lonely even in crowds,” he said.
He hopes that in anticipation of National Heroes’ Day in November, the Surabaya City Government will also organize events that can be enjoyed by all levels of society in Surabaya and its surroundings.
“There should be activities to reflect on the values of heroism through a theatrical performance of the flag-tearing incident at the Hotel Yamamoto, a historical tour of buildings in Surabaya, joint prayers across faiths, and hopefully, a music concert at City Hall, featuring local Surabaya bands from various musical genres,” he said.