The Beautiful Message of Diversity in Ethnicity, Race, and Disabilities at the 2023 Surabaya Flower Parade

Surabaya (27/5) – An interesting moment occurred at the finish line of the 2023 Surabaya Flower and Culture Parade, Tuesday (27/5). An autistic painter from Surabaya, Vincent Purwono (20), gave a painting of a Pelindo decorative car to Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi, as a gift for the 730th anniversary of the city of Surabaya. This moment received a lively and memorable welcome by the community. Because Pelindo's decorative car is themed Garuda - Bhinneka Tunggal Ika which carries a message of diversity not only ethnicity and race, but also attention to disabilities.

Paintings by Vincent are not only collected by Indonesian collectors, but also in Hong Kong, Brazil, the United States and Japan. The BUMN Pelindo decorative car does indeed stand out in the parade with a large Garuda bird icon perched on a truck clutching the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika ribbon. In this 2023 participation, BUMN Pelindo carries the symbol and motto of the State of Indonesia, namely Garuda and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, as the highest and noblest interpretation of the theme 'Puspawarni Indonesia' which was set by the Surabaya City Government as the theme for the 2023 Surabaya Flower Parade.

“The painting of the Pelindo decorative car by a painter with autism is a symbolic message that raises awareness. That the diversity of humanity bestowed by God Almighty is not only a variety of ethnicities and races, but also physical conditions, including disabilities. So that all Indonesian citizens are entitled to the same opportunities and treatment, as in the extended family of Pelindo employees there are various ethnicities, cultures, religions and physical conditions," said Pelindo Investment Director Boy Robyanto in the middle of the event. Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi , said the same thing. The Surabaya City Government has committed to providing balance and equal rights to city residents, including persons with disabilities.