Here's the Kongo, one of the world's most sought after scooters (Part-1)

Did you ever heard about the Vespa Kongo classic scooters? For those of you the scooter fans from abroad may be feel strange due to have never been heard or known the existence of this classic Vespa scooter type before. But for the Indonesian scooter fans, of course, most of them are already knew and familiar to those Vespa Kongo (or 'Congo' for English spelling) scooters name.

Vespa Ausburg VGLA/B aka Vespa Kongo is a state award scooter to several groups of the Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces who served in Congo, Central Africa back in the end 1950s to early 1960s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o5cywb)

Besides having a distinctive shape, it turns out that the antique scooter holds a priceless historical value for Indonesian, and also said has its own prides for those who are lucky able to own it. This Vespa scooter model emerged and gained popularity back in the early of 1960s.

Several member of the Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces proudly posed with their Vespa Kongo in the 1960s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oED8wa)

History of the Vespa Kongo name 

Actually there are some nicknames that are circulating in Indonesian society about this Vespa scooter model besides the 'Kongo,' including the 'Vespa Telur' (mean 'an egg' in English) because it has oval-shaped side fender like an egg, then there's also called it as 'Vespa Ndog Kentus' which means the same as an egg.

Several member of the Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces proudly posed with the Vespa Kongo in the 1960s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oGthFZ)

The designation of the Vespa Kongo itself comes from the name of the country where several groups of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia/TNI) known as the Indonesian Garuda Contingent (Kontingen Garuda/KONGA) were assigned in the late 1950s and early 1960s. At that time they got the task as the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces from Indonesia in Congo, Central Africa under the mission of the UNOC (United Nation Operations for Congo).

Vespa Kongo was assembled at the Vespa GmbH Augsburg one of the Vespa factories in Augsburg, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2nSPf8T)

Front view of the legendary   
Vespa Kongo of the 1960s.  
(Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o0ZOGR)

Well, this Vespa scooter models were then given to the members of the Peacekeeping Forces as a form of appreciation from the Indonesian government for their services in Congo. Another sources said that besides these Vespa scooters there're also other forms of appreciation like the money and also sewing machines. 

It was also reported that the Vespa Kongo scooters were distributed based on the military rank, namely for those who had higher rank to get the green colored Vespa 150 cc scooters (Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 4-speed) VGLB, while the soldier with lower rank got the Vespa 125 cc (Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 3-speed) VGLA in yellow or blue colored.

The Vespa Kongo starting known in the Indonesian scooter market back in the 1963, as a Vespa scooter model belonging to ex-Kontingen Garuda-2 (1960-1961) and Garuda-3 (1962-1963) members, but there is no certain source yet whom said whether the members of the Kontingen Garuda-1 also received the same scooter prizes (due to they assigned to Egypt back in the 1956).

Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 3-speed) VGLA aka Vespa Kongo only exist in Indonesia for the scooter models in between 1960 to 1963. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o0ZOGR)

Let's move to the next discussion about the Vespa Kongo destinctive marks. (Continued to Part-2).

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... 

(This article was deliberately created in order to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Indonesian National Army (Tentara National Indonesia/TNI) on October 5, 2019.)

Remain as the Guardian of Our beloved Indonesian homeland with all the heart. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KOMPAS | OTOFREAK | MOTOPLUS | OTOMANIA | VESPA]

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5 controversial mysteries of the Borobudur temple

Behind the splendor of the great temple built by Syailendra dynasty on the 8th century AD which is also known as one of the 7 wonders of the world. Till this day,  the Borobudur temple was still leaves some big question marks about its existence.

The construction itself is estimated to take approximately 100 years, and it is not known exactly how this gigantic-sized temple was built, but based on the observations of archeologists. Formerly this temple has 1 giant stupa around 5 balustrades, because it is feared to be collapsed because the pressure was too heavy, then this stupa was changed to 1 great stupa with 3 levels of stupas around it.

Aerial view of the Borobudur temple, one of UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kIISDh)

According to historical records, the Borobudur temple was first discovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, a British governor general who ruled in Java at that time. Not only about the construction remains a mystery, but there are several other discoveries that are still becoming a big question marks til today. Here are 5 of them:

1. The reliefs depicts the flying saucers sightings

From several of the world's ancient relics that have the reliefs depicts the sightings of the UFOs or flying saucers, it turns out that Borobudur temple is one of them. But it cannot be ascertained, why they're made such pattern. Whether it was indeed the intended UFO things or another symbol.

The reliefs was depicts the flying saucers sightings on the Borobudur temple. (Picture from: BeritaViralDunia)

Some experts have argued that the flying saucers-shaped like could be the symbol of the 7 royal jewels in the Buddhist cosmology but still there is no valid proof of this statement.

2. Kunto Bimo Myth

If we pay attention, in the Borobudur temple there are several hollow stupas in which there's a statue called Kunto Bimo in Dharmachakra position inside it. 

The statue of Kunto Bimo in Dharmachakra position inside a hollow stupa at the Borobudur temple. (Picture from: BeritaViralDunia)

According to legend, anyone who can touch the statue with his hands through the holes of the stupa all of his wishes will fullfill. For men, it is recommended to touch the statue's little finger. While for women, it is recommended to touch the toes. Out of nowhere the such belief began, but in some cases it has happened.

3. The hidden reliefs

There is one reliefs that is hidden at the foot of the temple and known as Karmawibhangga. This reliefs depicts the sensitive criminal scenes such as murder, rape, and another violence activities.

The hidden reliefs at the foot of the Borobudur temple, known as Karmawibhangga depicts the sensitive scenes of murder, rape, and another violence activities. (Picture from: BeritaViralDunia)

No one knows why there are such reliefs are hidden in the Borobudur temple. The reliefs itself was first discovered by J.W Yzerman in 1891.

4. Borobudur temple architecture

One interesting thing to note from the Borobudur temple was its architecture. The Borobudur temple has a very precise arrangement, where every stone that is part of the structure are perfectly and precisely placed. Usually to do something like this requires a good mathematical calculation ability.

Cross section and building ratio of the Borobudur temple. (Picture from: BeritaViralDunia)

The question was who can design those entire construction of this gigantic-sized temple? According to legend, the temple designer is Gunadharma, an intellectual figure of his time. But once again, there is not enough evidence to support this statement.

5. Built on an ancient lake 

A doctoral degree student from the Department of Geography, Gajah Mada University named Helmi Murwanti who mentioned about the existence of an ancient lake that was once in the area around Borobudur temple stood, long before the temple was built. 

An illustration of the existence ancient lake on the area where the Borobudur temple was stood, long before the temple was built. (Picture from: BeritaViralDunia)

The results of the analysis of the spread of black clay deposits show that they are derived from volcanic material and rocks, coupled with satellite images that show the flow of the river that empties into this lake. It is estimated that this ancient lake was formed in the Pleistocene era and was 10,000 years old which then shrunk because of human use in line with the development of civilization around the lake.

Great research in depth needs to be done again to reveal all the mysteries inherent in the Borobudur temple, as the original world cultural heritage of Indonesia. We should be a part of the next generation to know the ins and outs of this temple, lest important information that we should know is buried forever. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BERITA VIRAL DUNIA | WIKIPEDIA]

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Weird eight-wheeled sedan

Sedans that we know usually only have 4 wheels. Well ... there's a unique Toyota Vios Limo sedan in Bandung using 8 wheels. This sedan in normal condition is usually used as a taxi. 

How come? It's just a modification, anything can be done. This unique car is a modification car of Gemah Ripah taxi boss, Roni Gunawan. The GridOto team have been tried these weird 8-wheeled Vios Limo some time ago.

Extreme display of eight-wheeled Toyota Vios Limo.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Cwv6Zi)

Judging from the outside appearance, imagine that how the construction of 6 wheels on the back that piled up, clearly giving more weight to the car. Of course it has big impact on these 3rd generation Toyota Limo which was originally driven by the front wheel (FWD).

But after it was tested, at first glance there is no significant difference when the car is carried in low speed. Even when passing through a bumpy road, the suspension still functions normally and car pounding due to those bumpy road feels soft. This is thanks to a custom chassis construction that has been modified in such a way that the arrangement of 4 additional wheels at the rear does not interfere the car's suspension performance.

Driving sensation of 8-wheeled Vios Limo. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Cwv6Zi)

But when tried to do cornering maneuvers, this sedan feels more unsteady. Even when driving at medium speed and trying to stop, the brake performance becomes less optimal. This is due to the weight of the car that is getting heavier.

Even when used in lightweight slalom maneuvers, the car becomes difficult to control because the handbrake performance is also not optimal. When confirmed to the owner it turned out that this was indeed quite disturbing.

"The plan later on the rear wheel that touches the road will also have a hand brake installed. So that the braking process be more maximal," said Roni. This mechanism, if can function optimally, certainly will make the car's safety factor more better.

By the way, this car was drove in the Gemah Ripah Bandung HQ only. This car cannot be brought to the highway because besides the modification process has not been completed, and the car's roadworthiness permit is not taken care yet as well.

Seeing these car modification, only one word can be spoken... Incredible. Yes, that's Bandung people, if not unique, it's not Bandung. Wanna see unique 2-headed Vios Limo, just click. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GRIDOTO]

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A unique air suspension scooter from Yogyakarta

The idea of ​​making a vehicle modification work can come from anywhere. The following is a modified scooter that is very unique at the Indonesian Scooter Festival (ISF) 2018. At this event, a variety of modified scooters were displayed. One of the Vespa who draw attention at the event was a modified scooter made by Kupu-Kupu Malam Workshop, a famous automotive modification house from Yogyakarta.

Vescop (Vespa Choptop Airsus) built by Kupu-Kupu Malam Workshop taken of 1964 Vespa VBA. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2y4CxWs)

If at first glance this Golden Greensand colored scooter looks mediocre, but if you are more observant, you will be surprised. Because the scooter nicknamed Vescop (Vespa Choptop Airsus) is not only changed the body part but also applies the air suspension system. 

Of course this is rare because an air suspension system is generally installed on a car. And the unique the air suspension used on this scooter is a pneumatic type. Yes, on the front and back legs of the scooter is installed IDONE's airsuspension. For the system itself it turns out that it is almost similar to the one in the car and meanwhile to operate it by using a remote control.

Vescop (Vespa Choptop Airsus) by Kupu-Kupu Malam Workshop shown at the Indonesian Scooter Festival (ISF) 2018. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2y4CxWs)

To be able to apply this air suspension system to the scooter perfectly must be done several adjustments and changes to the body. Then the shock part was also overhauled but only on the upper seat. In this front shock mounted on the Vespa PX's fork.

The air suspension used on the Vescop (Vespa Choptop Airsus) is a pneumatic type. There're also seen Vespa PX forks combined with 8-inch rims with disc braking system. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2y4CxWs)

This Vescop was deliberately retained its original form in the form of a 1964 Vespa VBA scooter. Changes to the body, which is only slightly cut the scooter body from the front about 8 cm.

The air suspension compressor used on the Vescop (Vespa Choptop Airsus) installed burst out of the body. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2y4CxWs)

From the front there is a headlamp that now uses Daymaker, then there is a handgrip made in Gorilla, brake handle and clutch using Bikers and speedometer products from digital S.IP. Shifting behind was a stop lamp from Siem which was then given a slight black accent.

While on the legs, this scooter uses an 8-inch rim from S.I.P which is then wrapped with Swallow tires. Then to be able to withstand the speed of this scooter, disc brakes were installed from Temaca.

Besides the IDONE air suspension compressor mounted out on the left, so does the Koso PWK 28 carburetor on the right. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OH06hq)

Continue to the middle, there are only a few parts that are changed, namely the use of seats and custom deck rugs. At the right and left deck we cut, the right side because the Koso PWK 28 carburetor was made out while the left one was for the air suspension compressor.

Are you interested in making your scooter to be an air suspension ones? If you want, then prepare your money roughly US. $5,300 (or approx Rp.80 millions) as your scooter modification fees, then bring the scooter to the Kupu-Kupu Malam Workshop in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. (Wanna see another automotive works of the Kupu-Kupu Malam Workshop!)

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUPU-KUPU MALAM | GRIDOTO]

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Tosan Adji is ready to hit the world-class custom motorbike contest in Germany

The last series of Suryanation Motorland Battle 2018 held in Surabaya, in addition to being intended to search for the Indonesia's best custom motorbikes, was also used to launch the iconic bikes.

Yes, this cool custom motorcycle that is used as an iconic bike this time is 'Tosan Adji,' a custom motorcycle which is the result of collaboration between two well-known Indonesian builders, Lutfi Andika and Andhika Pratama.

Iconic Suryanation Motorland 2018 motorbike called 'Tosan Adji' is ready to hit the world-class custom motorbike contest in Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2P7dcBx)

This boardtracker-style custom motorcycle uses the 737 cc V-Twin engine base of 1947 Harley-Davidson WL. For the changes, almost all parts are made or customized by those duo builders, with the main material of stainless steel.

In detail, the motorbike that will be taken to the world-class custom motorbike contest in Germany, looks very stunning in red color on the tank and also sparkling with the chrome color that sticks to almost all parts of the motorcycle.

The 'Tosan Adji' is a customized motorbike which is the result of collaboration between two well-known Indonesian builders, Lutfi Andika and Andhika Pratama. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ydwXA2)

The most interesting part attached on this customized motorcycle is the application of a unique shockbreaker system, which is the double springs placed above its fuel tank.

Right side view of 'Tosan Adji' built by two well-known Indonesian builders, Lutfi Andika and Andhika Pratama. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Ro4KQ7)

Besides that the uniqueness is also given by changing the driving system. The two builders move the gear shifter down to the foot, and vice versa the clutch now moves to the hand lever.

The 'Tosan Adji' looks very stunning in red color on the tank. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2P7dcBx)

"For the concept, we take a road tracker, but not as usual. We want something unique, therefore we apply the front suspension, the suspension we just saw on a custom motorcycle," explained Andhika Pratama.

The most interesting part attached on this 'Tosan Adji' customized motorcycle is the application of a unique shockbreaker system, which is the double springs placed above its fuel tank. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2P7dcBx)

Meanwhile, the performance of this motorbike is still using the original gearbox, the front and rear hubs also still use the original 70. Then, the tank is custom made, the front and rear rim uses 21 inches-sized, which is wrapped with Shinko E270 tires, and the single custom seat.

"This iconic bike motor represents the spirit of Suryanation Motorland, whose wants to share inspiration for all parties," explained Rizky Dwianto, a member of Suryanation Motorland Committee.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LIPUTAN 6]

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These wooden replica of Ferrari was originaly made in Boyolali

The annual automotive industry event like the 2018 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) which was held some time ago is indeed very indulgent for automotive lovers. Because in this event, visitors can enjoy many things that are certainly related to the automotive industry.

1967 Ferrari 334 P4. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2QbPQLT)

Starting from the new cars rows from various brand holder agents/general importers, various automotive accessories and works automotive modification workshops, up to unique car exhibits such as these Ferrari 330 P4.

When we hear the name of Ferrari might be in our imagination is a supercar made by the Italian Prancing Horse logoed manufacturer with a luxury model and top-class performance. However, this 'Ferrari' is exactly different. Yes, this car is only a replica of Ferrari 330 P4 which is the work of PT.Sumber Sejahtera Alamindo (SSA) --- an Indonesian woodcrafts company.

A wooden replica of Ferrari 334 P4 made by PT.Sumber Sejahtera Alamindo (SSA). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NqpyHs)

"While we are still making it only for display, if we are asked whether it able to run. Yes, this car can be run if you push it directly from behind," said Chief Executive Officer of PT.SSA, Santoz Martoz, jokingly.

Interior view of wooden replica of Ferrari 334 P4. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NqpyHs)

According to him further, he was assisted with six builders and took up to four months to build completely these teak-based replica of the 'Ferrari 330 P4' in his workshop in Boyolali, Central Java.

"Doing a project like this really needs patience, because what we made is quite detailed up to every curve of its body. So if we look at its dimensions, we made it on one to one scales, meaning that it really looks the same as the original version," Santoz explained.

Front view of wooden replica of Ferrari 334 P4. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NqpyHs)

The selling price of these 'Ferrari 330 P4' can be said to be quite fantastic, which is worth US. $50 thousand or equivalent to Rp.684 million. Admitted by Santoz, the business he has held since two years ago has been loved and hunted by foreigner. The European and American continents became the places where he sent many wooden car displays like this.

Furthermore, Santoz explained that his company was conducting a study to develop their wooden cars so that in the future it would not only be a display. And he plans to work with several universities in Indonesia to realize this project. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]

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These Harimau Hitam tank is ready rushes into the frontline

As a follow-up to the cooperation between the Indonesian and Turkish governments that agreed on a collaboration in May 2015 to jointly develop the 'Modern Medium Weight Tank', with costs (reportedly) of US $30 million. The development phase of the program takes up to 37 months, with the first prototypes produced in Turkey, and the second in Indonesia.

The Indonesian's Harimau Hitam tank in the parade commemorating the 72nd anniversary of Indonesian National Armed Forces on October 5, 2017 in Cilegon, Banten. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2N6fsLt)

This tank was developed by PT. Pindad (Persero) in collaboration with a Turkish defense system company called FNSS Savunma Sistemleri for the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD).

The result is a new Modern Medium Weight Tank (MMWT) with the name Kaplan MT (Turkey) and Harimau Hitam or Black Tiger (Indonesia) which was introduced for the first time at Indo Defense 2016 and later its first prototype was shown at IDEF 2017.

Harimau Hitam or Kaplan MT was shown at IDEF 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MGDuO0)

This tank uses the Cockerill 3105 modular turret system developed by the Belgian company CMI Defense which can be manned by 3 crew members (consisting of Commander, Gunner and Driver). The turret system features the main armament system of a Cockerill XC-8HP 105mm cannon, which is capable of firing various projectiles with an automatic loader system and second armament is 7.62mm co-axial machine gun.

Left side view of Harimau Hitam or Kaplan MT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2PQQqi9)

These medium tank is also equipped with a battlefield management system and a laser warning system that provides tactical awareness to the tank's commander. To engage in a stationary and moving target using the probability of a high round shot, a computerized control system. The commander and gunner are both equipped with stabilized sights combining a laser rangefinder. Beside that the tank commander is also equipped with a panoramic observation system to enable hunting and destroying targets.

Harimau Hitam or Kaplan MT while on maneuvering action. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2wzGBfK)

These medium tank able to move, due it uses a high-performance diesel engine, combined with an electronically controlled automatic transmission system. So that makes the tank which has a weight of 35 tons has a maximum speed of about 70 kph, and cruising range up to 450 km with a power to weight ratio of 20 hp/ton. The hull baseline made of welded steel with an appliqued armor package can be installed for a higher level of protection, mine protection is also installed. Beside that, these tank able to operate in a high temperature environment due to there's a cooling system installed into it.

Harimau Hitam or Kaplan MT currently being on test in several areas in Indonesia. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2N2yjqN)

The tank's interior is carefully engineered taking into account the crew's ergonomics and different tactical and battlefield conditions, including drivers, gunners and loading and unloading ammunition. The special type of driver seat allows the operator to have a very adequate field of view, and to access all cabin equipment. As the standard equipment in this tank includes an AC system, camera for situational awareness and an additional power unit that allows all subsystems to be run if the main diesel engine turns off or does not function properly.

Of course, these medium tanks role is not to fight the main battle tanks that have heavier weapons and better protection system but to engage more lighter threats in the field such as reconnaissance missions, infantry fighting vehicles, troops transportation and combat supporting vehicles.

The tank can also be used to support infantry in the direct close fire situation, with a 105 mm cannon used to fight pillboxes and other battlefield obstacles. With its lighter and lower profile, allows it to be used in areas that are not accessible by traditional MBT, which currently weighs more than 70 tons. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA]

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