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Three Banyuwangi cyclists bike against all odds to Aceh to celebrate New Year
The three started their cross-island biking journey from Banyuwangi on July 12 and expect to enjoy the New Year at the Zero Kilometer Monument, which is the country's westernmost point in Sabang, Aceh.
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Seizing the moment: Swiss tourist Lina (right) takes a picture of her friend, Naja, posing in front of the Zero Kilometer Monument in Sabang, which is located on Weh Island, Aceh. JP/ PJ Leo (JP/ PJ Leo)
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hysical disability is not an obstacle for three cyclists from Banyuwangi, East Java, who are on their way to the Zero Kilometer Monument, the country's westernmost point in Sabang, Aceh.
The group consists of Nana, 28, Kiki, 25, and Hamid, 20. Nana was born with an impaired left leg, while Hamid was born a mute. The three started their cross-island biking journey from Banyuwangi on July 12. Every day they cycle 100 kilometers. They expect to enjoy the New Year at the landmark, also known as Titik Nol. Sabang itself is located on Weh Island, a small islet in Aceh province.
“This is our farthest journey,” Nana told The Jakarta Post in Jambi while they took a break on Tuesday.
“This is not only for traveling but also to prove to ourselves that physical impairments are not an obstacle,” Nana said.
The trip had been planned since last year. Previously, they cycled together several times from Banyuwangi to Kuta, Bali. The Banyuwangi-Bali journey usually takes two days.
They said they wanted to challenge themselves on this long journey to experience the rich culture they encountered along the way.
“We want to meet people and learn about culture. Therefore, when we arrive in a city, we stay for two to five days,” Nana said.
“On this journey, we learn to respect and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Kiki added.
They said roads in Sumatra were more challenging than in Java. To face the challenges, they prepared spare parts.
Prior to the journey, they saved money from their freelance jobs.
“You can make your dreams come true, whatever they are, if you want to,” Kiki said. (gis)
