The popularity of cycling in Indonesia has been introduced several times in TABIRIN. We asked Consul General Mirza Nurhidayat of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Osaka, who enjoys cycling in Japan, about the appeal of cycling in Japan.

Please give us a profile of yourself

I have been working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia since 1992, and have worked outside the country in Nigeria, Tokyo, and Singapore. In 2018, I will be working in Japan again, serving as Consul General at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Osaka.
I have been riding bicycles since I was a child and enjoyed it as part of my sport in the capital city of Jakarta, where it was easy to ride a bicycle around my house.

How do you enjoy cycling in Japan?

When I came to Osaka in 2018, I met Mr. Adi (Asriyadi Chayadi), who started a community called OGT (Osaka Gowes Tour) and I started to have more opportunities to ride my bike.
I think it is wonderful that Japan has so many well-maintained roads with bike lanes and places where you can enjoy riding.
In Osaka, there are OGT communities and exchange cycling events between OGT community and Japanese people, and I think it is wonderful that bicycles have become an opportunity for exchange between the two countries. I also participate in these events and enjoy interacting with Japanese people though cycling.

What kind of bicycle do you have?

I have a road bike from Giant, a flat bar from my home country POULGON, a minivelo from Bianchi, BROMPTON, DAHON, and some vintage ones.

Recently, I have also become interested in vintage Japanese bicycles and purchased an old red bicycle used for mail delivery in Japan at an auction.

What is your most impressive place in Japan and where would you like to visit?

Kyoto was a great place to see the Japanese landscape.　I also enjoyed Awaji Island, although I did not make a full circle around the island. South Osaka (Kishiwada and Kaizuka), where I rode for the first time in an social event with Japanese people, was also very impressive.
Last November, I participated in Suzuka Enduro at Suzuka Circuit and served as a starter, which was a wonderful and valuable experience arranged by the organizers.

I have not been able to visit Shimanami Kaido yet, and I would love to do so during my work term in Osaka.

Please tell us about the charm of Indonesia for Japanese cyclists

Indonesia also has many wonderful landscapes and history.
Lombok Island is great if you want to ride along the sea, and Yogyakarta is great if you want to enjoy the scenery and history. The town of Semarang, where I was born, is also great.
And as a bicycle culture that Japan does not have, Indonesia has “car-free” Sunday mornings in various cities. This is a policy whereby main streets normally traversed by cars are made available exclusively for pedestrians and bicycles, creating a true “Bicycle paradise.” In particular, Jakarta’s “Car-free” policy is a great opportunity to experience a cycling culture that cannot be seen in Japan.

In the end, please give us a message through TABIRIN

With the change of the times, bicycle is not only a vehicle but also a business. Cycling together has become a tool for interaction and communication between different countries.
I would like to see more interaction between Japanese and Indonesian businesses and cyclists through bicycles.
Although overseas travel is currently restricted due to the COVID-19 disaster, we hope that once the situation is over, you will visit Indonesia and enjoy cycling in a car-free environment and beautiful scenery.

Summary

I asked for this interview because I have met Mirza many times at events. I was impressed by the way he always brings his camera to take photos of participants and enjoys cycling together with other participants on his own bicycle, sweating as much as they do, deepening friendship regardless of age and nationality.

I would like to continue to interact with Mirza as cycling mates and do my best to continue the good relationship between Japan and Indonesia through cycling.

Interview and texts : HANADA