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ENPASAR: Rome-born Indonesian Rob Rambini is set to become the first Indonesian to sail alone from California, the United States, to Bali and have his name recorded in the Indonesia Records Museum, if he arrives as scheduled on Saturday.

Rob started his journey from Oakland, California, on May 8, 2010. He sailed to Hawaii, and then continued on via the Solomon islands and Vanuatu, and passed Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea before entering Indonesia.

He has docked on Tanimbar Island, Saumlaki, to stock up on supplies. During the last leg of his journey, he was forced to make an emergency stop due to high seas and extreme weather.

Rob said he hoped the journey would set a good example for tourism and sport in Bali. The Culture and Tourism Ministry will welcome Rob upon his arrival. —JP