The Jeep community, JK Owners Indonesia, accommodates its members' shared passion for off-road adventures and social contribution, which has led to increased sales of the SUV.

Whenever he's not busy treating sick children at Sari Asih Hospital, Karawaci, Tangerang, Didik Wijayanto can be found driving or toying with his white 2010 Jeep Wrangler Sport or black 1997 Jeep Cherokee. It's a hobby that has turned into a major passion, admits the pediatrician cum head of social affairs of Indonesia's Jeep community, JK Owners Indonesia.

'There's so much to say about my cars. They've got a rugged, masculine build with strong features, perfect for all terrains. You can take them for either off-road adventures or daily rides,' said Didik, who now has his eyes set on a Rubicon, another popular off-road SUV by the same automaker. 'Sure, they may not be the most fuel-efficient cars, if you compare with some more economical models, but it's all part of the consequence of choosing such powerful engines.'

The community has signed up more than 200 members since its establishment in November 2011, and the number continues to rise.

Sales figures of the make also reflect a positive trend. During 2013, Jeep, a division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, sold 732,000 units worldwide and 490,000 in the United States, way ahead of the sales in the previous year, as reported by Forbes. Sales of Wrangler, specifically, were reported to be ahead by 18 percent. A similarly upward trend was also reflected in sales in the Asia Pacific region, with sales in Indonesia enjoying 12 percent growth in 2013 for all Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products, according to autocarindonesia.com.

At any rate, the trend only confirms what fans of the off-road utility vehicle already shared by heart. 'It started as casual gatherings among Jeep Wrangler owners, here and there, but mostly at repair shops. Then one day we decided to establish a real organization, with all its apparatus. It turned out that there was so much excitement out there among Wrangler owners,' said Ari Utomo, secretary general of JK Owners Indonesia.

Taking a break: JK Owners Indonesia members take a break and pose for a photograph on tour. Members are encouraged to participate in the community's various events. (Courtesy of Muhammad Rafi Wijayanto)

Support from members

The organization gets support from its own members as well as PT Garansindo Inter Global, the authorized general distributor of Jeep in Indonesia.

'Jeep fans in Indonesia are our customers, so the kind of support we provide for them is part of our customer relationship,' said Karim Rachman, marketing, communications and public relations manager at Garansindo.

'We have good communication and partnership with the communities. We also have dedicated community relations personnel who actively participate in events held by the Jeep communities.'

Members also enjoy special discounts for spare parts and maintenance services for their four-wheel SUVs.

Although members are required to own a Wrangler of the JK series, many come with more than one. More than a few are also members of other automotive communities.

'Come to think of it, you tend to see many familiar faces, whatever automotive community you're in,' said Didik, who also owns a Land Rover Defender.

In JK Owners Indonesia, members come from varying backgrounds and professions but all share the same passion for off-road adventures.

Charity outreach

Another appealing factor, according to Didik, is social contribution.

'Every time and everywhere we go on touring trips, we always conduct charity events. We've given out basic necessities and cash assistance, planted trees and earlier this year we organized a mass circumcision drive.'

As is customary, social events will also accompany the club's upcoming touring trip in Sulawesi this August. Mention that to both Didik and Utomo and they'll tell you the excitement has kicked in early. 'The plan is for members from Jakarta, Palembang and other cities to meet in Makassar and then drive to Toraja and Wakatobi,' said Didik.

Last month, the same group of people gathered in Surabaya before driving to Mount Bromo and continuing to Bali. Such trips are geared toward creating quality time among members and their families.

'It's not entirely true to assume that our community is restricted to men,' said Utomo.

'In fact, we've got a wing organization called Bidadari JKO, run by and dedicated to our female members. Some are wives of owners, others are Jeep fans themselves.'

All members are encouraged to participate in all of the club's events, which are held both monthly and weekly. It may be as simple as getting together for a meal, but the community of JK Owners Indonesia is serious about bonding and sharing mutual interests.