Indonesian motorcyclist sets off on Trans-Siberian peace ride
An Indonesian has embarked on a solo 9,000-kilometer motorcycle trek along the Trans-Siberian route, departing on Monday from Red Square in Moscow with the intention of finishing in Vladivostok, on Russia’s southeastern tip.
In a news release, the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow identified the intrepid motorist as Jeffrey Polnaja, also known Kang JJ, a travel enthusiast who already has 72 countries under his belt, riding through each one on his BMW motorcycle.
Kang JJ began his “Ride for Peace” mission in 2006, travelling through countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe before ending his trip in Portugal in 2008.
This year, Kang JJ hit the road again for a sequel.
Kang JJ in the Rome leg of his "Ride for Peace" mission in 2006. (Photo courtesy of Rideforpeace.net)
Setting off from Paris on June 25, Kang JJ plans to tour a total of 30 countries on four continents. Once he reaches Vladivostok, Kang JJ is expected to cross the Bering Sea, enter Alaska and roam the North and South American continents.
He will then travel to Australia and East Timor before finishing back in Indonesia in 2014.
Russia is the seventh country Kang JJ has been through on his second Ride for Peace mission, after previously passing through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland and Belarus.
For the Moscow to Vladivostok leg of his journey, Kang JJ is also planning to take a detour to Astana, Kazakhstan, and Ulan Bator, Mongolia.
Kang JJ said he had made special preparations for the treacherous and unforgiving trek Siberia is famous for. The rider earlier conducted some last-minute tuning to his motorcycle, adapting it to the harsh weather conditions he is expected to encounter.
The Indonesian also stayed in Moscow for several days to give interviews to local media. Djauhari Oratmangun, the Indonesian ambassador to Russia and Belarus, said Kang JJ’s Ride for Peace carried a diplomatic mission of promoting humanitarian values.
“We will help and facilitate the success of the Ride for Peace mission,” the ambassador said.
Several embassy officials sent Kang JJ off from Red Square on Monday, waving checkered racing flags as he embarked on the Tran-Siberian leg of his mission.
Category: Society
