Nusantara Challenge of Indonesia

The unexplored terrain of West Nusa Tenggara wilderness will welcome local and foreign four-wheel-drive enthusiasts as they take on the Nusantara Challenge of Indonesia later this month.

The Indonesian Offroad Federation (IOF) will hold the annual offroad event from Jan. 17 to 27. The route will begin in Sumbawa Besar, West Nusa Tenggara, and run west through Lombok island to end in Denpasar, Bali, covering 800 kilometers of rough riding.

At least 23 cars and nine motocross bikes, including offroaders from Malaysia and the Netherlands and a rider from France, will compete in the event organized by Jakarta-based Cheetah Offroad Club according to the article in the Jakarta Post.

The event’s operation director Syamsir Alam said Saturday the number of entries were restricted to 50 cars and 15 motorcycles, to “ensure the quality and professionalism of the event”.

“We are still accepting participants but we will have to close admission by Jan 10, since vehicles have to be shipped to Sumbawa starting Jan. 9,” he said.

Offroaders and motocrossers will compete in a tough route consisting of eight stages through rain forests, seashores, hills and slopes.

“The track will include an up-to 60 degree incline uphill in Batukorok and the dense, unexplored forest of southern Sumbawa,” said Syamsir.

Participants will also join in a 1,000-tree planting campaign on the foot of Mount Rinjani in Lombok, co-organized with the local administration.

Syamsir said one of the most breathtaking spots for participants is Abah Hill in Denpasar, which affords a view from above the city of Lombok island.

This year’s event is part of an annual series organized by the offroaders club that has run the past seven years under various names and sponsors.

IOF president Djoko Pramono hoped the annual series would continue and encourage other offroading events in the future.

This year, the IOF plans to hold a national offroad championship in August, with qualification rounds taking place in regencies.