YOGYAKARTA: Almost 800 groups of classic Volkswagen enthusiasts from 19 countries congregated at the 2019 Jogja Volkswagen Festival (JVWF) held in here, Indonesia last weekend.
The bi-annual three-day event organised by the Volkswagen Club Yogyakarta was also attended by representatives of about 15 enthusiast clubs from around Malaysia.
Themed "Soul of a Hero", JVWF first started in 2013 and has consistently garnered increased participation of classic car fans from around the world.
The 2019 leg saw official representatives flying in from Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam, India, Japan, US, UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, India, Australia, Switzerland and Germany.
From Malaysia, representatives of Volksel, Art of Speed Malaysia, VW Classickers Johor, Lowlife Malaysia, Tokmo Garage and Karratz Hunters were among the attendees.
The Vice Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Sri Paduka Pakualam X welcomed the global crowd during the official launch of the event on Nov 9.
Addressing the second day crowd, he said: "It gives me great pleasure to see fans of the classic Volkswagen coming together, united by a shared passion. I hope this event, which is the biggest in Indonesia, will soon become among the biggest VW events in the world with everyone's continuous support."
Yogyakarta's head of Tourism Department Singgih Raharjo said while local and international visitors have been flocking the special region for its historical, natural and shopping sites, events such as the JVF2019 has the potential to become a new "tourism magnet".
The showcase was opened to the press and public on Nov 8, but several activities had already peppered the city's calendar leading up to its opening.
The organiser held the "Road to JVWF" performances featuring local musicians on Tuesdays throughout October at a local coffee shop to promote the event.
A paper craft contest for children had also taken place at a local mall on Nov 3 to generate their interest in the automotive segment. On the same date thrill seekers were invited to the "201 On Jogja" drag race at Lanud Gading Gunungkidul.
During the three-day festival a total of 130 exhibitors including car collectors, restoration artistes, custom specialists, engine experts, spare parts resellers and accessories dealers mingled with food, fashion and merchandise makers.
The bigger booths at JVWF2019 belonged to Volkswagen specialist workshops such as Concept Classic, Rohmat Bengkel, Is Interior, Pak Cip Electrical, Griya VW and Smartvolks along with established parts suppliers namely UK-based Heritage Parts Centre, Japan-based Flat-4, Belgium-based Retro Road Trips and Indonesia's own TJ Wheels and Bursa VW Lawang.
As VW owners scour for rare parts and accessories, the main attraction of the event for fans and yet-to-be owners is its exhibition of classic Volkswagen models.
This year, visitors had a chance to get up close with 110 well-kept classic vehicles including Beetles, Safaris, Kombis, Thing, Golf and various types of Westfalia Campers which dotted the halls.
Head of JVWF Tjahjo Widjojono highlighted that 70 of these vehicles participated in the Show & Shine contest while the rest were parked for public appreciation by various collectors and auto shops.
"The oldest vehicle on display is from the year 1951 and for the lucky draw, we've prepared a 1974 Volkswagen Beetle which features the 'German Look' styling," Widjojono explained.
Among the sea of timeless beauties, the Beetle Cop Top 52 shipped in by Flat-4, a deluxe bus from Belgium and an aluminium handmade vehicle from Yumos Garage became among the most photographed models.
At another corner of the massive showcase hall, a 1947 Karman Ghia replica powered by an electric engine customised by Indonesian outfit Kupu-Kupu Malam was also a conversation piece. As Volkswagen's history is not complete without a dash of Ferdinand Porsche, a slew of aircooled Porsches were also brought in as part of the exhibition.
Apart from networking, participants also had the chance to meet and greet with auto specialists including "California Look" pioneer Ron Fleming and Fresh Kustoms founder George Spilsbury.
Outside the halls, food trucks offered Indonesian and international dishes for families to enjoy as local acts show off their talents.
Also outside, the Aircooled Limbo Loweredism contest took place.
During this roaring activity, various models compete in their respective class to see which car could dive the deepest under the limbo stick.
Throughout the three days, visitors shopped for official merchandise and participated in photography contest, tech talk and swap meet. After flocking the die cast and figurine booths, children were treated with freebies at the play area.
The main event hall at Jogja Expo Centre was laced with Volkswagen-themed artworks by Ramadhan Arif Fathkur who specialises on aluminium media as well as stroke survivor Ardhyan Gecho.
Throughout the festival, many local acts performed while main acts include D.P.M.B., Endank Soekamti and Didi Kempot.