Hundreds of cyclists declared their commitment to urge world leaders to meet Millennium Development Goals at a cycle rally at Indah beach, Ancol, North Jakarta, on Sunday.
During Sunday's event, any cyclist entering the Ancol area between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. only paid an entrance fee of Rp 1,000 (10 US cents). The usual fee is Rp 12,000.
The cyclists came from various cycling clubs and communities, such as the Batavia Ontel Bicycle Community (KOBA) and bicycle-taxi drivers of the Kota area. After arriving in Ancol, they cycled a six-kilometer loop track from Indah beach to Carnival beach and back to Indah beach again.
The declaration demanded that world leaders help eradicate global poverty by giving reasonable loans, while the leaders from third world countries should eradicate corruption and take care of their citizens.
Nur Amalia from the Indonesian People's Forum said that the event was held to focus more on the seventh MDG goal, which was about protecting the environment.
"We want to encourage people to reduce car emissions and turn to environment-friendly vehicles, such as bicycles. Taking to your bicycle is not only good for the environment but also good for your health," she said.
The United Nations Millenium Campaign has circulated a global call for mobilization the world over in a bid to remind people of the MDGs. The global events, dubbed Stand Up Take Action, took place between Oct. 17 and 19.
Budi Karya Sumadi, president director of PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol, said that his company would hold discussions next month about the possibility of holding similar programs monthly or biweekly.
"This is part of our social responsibility to the community. Besides, they (the bicycle community) also give a touch of solidarity to this place. We hope that they will attract other communities to come to Ancol," he said.
Nungky, a cyclist living in Johorbaru, Central Jakarta, said that she and her bicycle group met in Senayan, Central Jakarta, before heading to Ancol.
The 43-year-old said that she would like to come again if there was similar event.
"This event reminds us that we should take care of our environment, either by biking or picking up trash," she said.
