The spirit of cross-national togetherness once again echoed in the heart of Bandung City. Thousands of residents packed the Asia Africa Street area, witnessing the magnificence of the Asia Africa Festival (AAF) 2025 which took place joyfully and colorfully.

The Deputy Mayor of Bandung expressed pride and happiness over the success of this annual cultural event.

According to him, AAF is not only a public entertainment event, but also a symbol of international brotherhood and solidarity that reinforces Bandung’s role as a historic city in the eyes of the world.

“Of course Bandung is a source of pride. With this Asia Africa event, Bandung is becoming more legendary, more global. I am very pleased and happy that Asia Africa Festival 2025 was welcomed with joy and full of enthusiasm. All delegations were present, there were 16 delegations participating,” he said after attending the peak event on Asia Africa Street.

He also expressed appreciation to all parties who contributed to the organization of AAF 2025.

He considered the success of this event to be the result of close collaboration between the government, cultural communities, and the public.

“I thank the mayor, the regents, and all government elements present here, including support from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and the sponsors. All stakeholders from the province, city, to regency played an important role in presenting their best culture in this festival,” he stated.

Carrying the theme New Generation of Asia Africa Spirit, 2025 presented a series of activities at various points in Bandung City. Starting from art performances in Cibiru and Ujungberung, cultural performances at Mayang Sunda, to closing events at Savoy Homann Hotel and Grand Preanger, two historic places that were important parts of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference.

He mentioned that although this year’s concept was simpler compared to previous editions, its meaning was deeper and more touching.

He considered the spirit of mutual cooperation and creativity of Bandung residents to be the main energy that brought this festival to life.

“This festival is a form of real collaboration between the government and the community. Although simpler compared to previous years, it feels more touching and full of meaning. There were dances from all delegations that were incredibly beautiful,” he said.

One performance that left the deepest impression on him was the pencak silat from the Indonesian delegation. He called this traditional martial art a symbol of elegance, strength, and the philosophy of the nation’s culture.

“All performances were good, but the most memorable for me was pencak silat. That’s my idol, because it depicts the identity of our nation,” he expressed.

2025 reaffirmed Bandung’s position as a city of world cultural diplomacy. Through this festival, the spirit of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference continues to be kept alive in the form of cultural collaboration, mutual cooperation, and friendship between countries.

With the support of thousands of residents and participation of 16 country delegations, AAF 2025 became real proof that Bandung is not only known for its history, but also for its ability to preserve cultural heritage and the spirit of cross-national unity.

Bandung further affirmed itself as a city that is not only remembered by history, but also continues to spread the spirit of solidarity and friendship to the world.

Asia Africa Street

Asia Africa Street is a historic thoroughfare in Bandung, Indonesia, famously associated with the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference. This conference was a landmark meeting of Asian and African states, many of which were newly independent, and was a significant precursor to the Non-Aligned Movement. Today, the street is a cultural landmark symbolizing solidarity and cooperation between the two continents.

Cibiru

Cibiru is a district located in Bandung, Indonesia, known for its suburban and residential character. Historically, it was a rural area that has rapidly developed in recent decades due to Bandung’s urban expansion, and it is now home to educational institutions and light industry.

Ujungberung

Ujungberung is a district in Bandung, Indonesia, historically known as a vibrant center for Sundanese arts and culture. It gained particular renown in the late 20th century as the birthplace of the “Ujungberung metal scene,” an influential community of underground metal bands. While undergoing significant urban development, it remains an important cultural landmark in Bandung’s artistic history.

Mayang Sunda

I am unable to find any specific information on a place or cultural site named “Mayang Sunda.” It is possible the name may be misspelled or refer to a very localized or lesser-known site. If you have more context, such as its location, I would be happy to try another search.

Savoy Homann Hotel

The Savoy Homann Hotel is a historic Art Deco hotel in Bandung, Indonesia, which first opened in 1886 and was rebuilt in 1940. It gained international fame in the early 20th century as a preferred stop for wealthy travelers on the Grand Tour and for participants of the historic 1955 Asia-Africa Conference. The hotel remains a celebrated landmark, known for its distinctive architecture and its role in Indonesia’s colonial and post-colonial history.

Grand Preanger

The Grand Preanger is a historic luxury hotel located in Bandung, Indonesia, which opened in the 1920s during the Dutch colonial era. It was designed by the renowned Dutch architect A.F. Aalbers in the Art Deco style, reflecting the city’s reputation as the “Paris of Java.” The hotel has long been a prominent social and cultural landmark, hosting distinguished guests and embodying the elegant heritage of Bandung.

Asia-Africa Conference 1955

The Asia-Africa Conference, held in Bandung, Indonesia in 1955, was a historic meeting of 29 Asian and African countries. It was a major diplomatic milestone for newly independent nations, aiming to promote Afro-Asian economic and cultural cooperation and oppose colonialism. The conference’s principles laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War.

Bandung City

Bandung is the capital of West Java, Indonesia, famously nicknamed the “Paris of Java” for its European-style architecture and vibrant arts scene. Historically, it gained prominence as a planned city under Dutch colonial rule in the 19th century and was the host of the pivotal 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, which solidified its role in the post-colonial era. Today, it is a major hub for education, creative industry, and tourism, known for its cool climate, culinary delights, and numerous factory outlets.