The Return Of Kustomfest Indonesia

Two days. That’s on a regular basis I spent in Yogyakarta for Kustomfest 2022. It was a last-minute determination to journey to Indonesia for the weekend, however one I definitely don’t remorse, even when it meant boarding 5 flights in three days.

It had been a number of years since I final visited this present (thanks, Covid) so I used to be notably  to see how the native customized automotive scene had advanced in that point. Ever since I lined Formulation D Asia 10 years in the past, Indonesia is nation I’ve all the time liked visiting, and this journey solely strengthened that.

Like most occasions, Kustomfest was placed on maintain for a few years attributable to pandemic restrictions, so everybody was glad to see it again. I visited as a part of a global group of visitors, made up largely of personalities within the customized bike world. That’s no nice shock, as customized bike tradition in Indonesia is huge. The popular mode of transport right here is on two wheels, so at Kustomfest you will discover each attainable sort of motorbike – all modified in fact.

I get pleasure from customized bike builds as a lot as anybody, however my focus was automobiles, and Kustomfest as soon as once more didn’t disappoint.

What I actually like about this occasion is that it’s held in a smaller, extra country-like city, an hour’s flight away from the craziness of Jakarta. Yogyakarta has chill vibe to all the things, so it took half of the primary day to readjust myself to the relaxed environment. Everybody’s pleasant nature actually makes this occasion.

One factor it’s essential to learn about Kustomfest, is that nothing occurs with out stay music on the primary stage.

The music stretches nicely into the evening as soon as the occasion ends too. An outside stage welcomes well-known Indonesian bands, and hundreds of individuals head alongside for a wild live performance. Or so I’m informed; I needed to sit this one out attributable to the day prior to this’s loopy journey schedule.

That mentioned, I acquired to the Jogja Expo Heart venue good and early so I might check out all of the automobiles earlier than the crowds rushed in. However in complete distinction to Japan, the place everyone seems to be on the gate lining up nicely earlier than a present begins, Indonesians favor to rock in after lunch and keep nicely into the evening.

The primary automotive I observed was the ‘Moonbug’, which had been shipped over from Japan for the occasion. It set the temper quite nicely.

That’s as a result of there’s numerous affect from what Mooneyes has achieved in Japan, combining that American flavour with a Japanese twist.

So there’s a lot of that to get pleasure from, albeit with a novel Indonesian contact.

Rather less anticipated is Australian basic and muscle automotive builds.

However whenever you see how shut Indonesia is to Australia geographically, it is sensible.

One other shock was this pair of Jeeps which have been remodeled into sizzling rods. It’s one thing I’ve by no means seen completed in Japan, which is saying one thing!

My preliminary ideas about Kustomfest 2022 have been centered round how a lot the scene right here has advanced since I final visited.

Kudos to the organizers, who now appear to be offering attendees with a much wider unfold of kinds.

And particular point out should go to all of the Indonesian builders who’re actually upping their sport.

That mentioned, I’ll be dedicating a second submit to the automobiles that impressed me probably the most at Kustomfest 2022.

I particularly loved wanting in any respect the bicycles on show. A few of these chopper-style builds have been on one other degree and would look so good paired up subsequent to a lowrider.

Customized creative creations are available in all sizes at Kustomfest.

And at occasions, folks will be the canvases too. It’s all the time superb to see folks being inked at exhibits, and this courageous man even opted for the standard pointy stick methodology!

One of many issues I really like probably the most about Speedhunting is the Foodhunting that typically goes hand-in-hand with it.

And boy does Indonesia have rather a lot to supply in relation to culinary delights. Simply be sure to can deal with some warmth!

An enormous a part of Kustomfest are the little cubicles dotted across the outdoors space. They’re the proper place for bikers to hunt out these hard-to-find elements.

One show that stopped me in my tracks was this little store promoting espresso tables made out of engine blocks, pistons and rods. If solely there was an RB26 model…

Hopefully this submit has given you a style of what Kustomfest is all about and the way it brings Indonesia’s customized automotive tradition collectively. I’ve saved the greatest for final although, so be sure to examine again quickly to see my private standouts from this yr’s present.

Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com