[Kabar-indonesia] Indonesian biker brings peace message to Bangladesh

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Indonesian biker brings peace message to Bangladesh

By PARVEEN AHMED, Associated Press Writer

DHAKA Bangladesh,Sdeptember 30 (AP) -- After traveling solo on a
motorbike almost half way across southern Asia, part of a
round-the-world trip to convey a message of peace, Indonesian biker
Jeffrey "JJ" Polnaja was a bit daunted by the horrendous traffic in
the Bangladeshi capital.

"The people here are very nice, only the traffic...," Polnaja told
reporters in Dhaka, Bangladesh's crowded capital where traffic jams
and erratic driving are the norm.

"I hope my visit can inflame a spirit of brotherhood and peace in the
heart of Bangladeshi people," Polnaja said Thursday at the Indonesian
Embassy in Dhaka. "My mission to ride around the world is dedicated to
world peace, to strengthen people-to-people ties. We all need peace,
like food. Peace for everybody rich or poor."

Polnaja's journey is expected to last five years and cover about 100
countries on five continents. On the first leg, he hopes to travel
through 45 countries in Asia, North Africa and Europe in 750 days. The
second stage is to take him across America and Australia.

Polnaja, who began his "peace ride" on April 23 from the Indonesian
capital, Jakarta, showed off his German-made BMW adventure bike
specially designed for long journeys. The motorcycle is equipped with
a global positioning system, a video camera, and extra containers for
tools and supplies.

He has already covered Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos,
Vietnam and China. From Bangladesh, he plans to go on to India,
Bhutan, Nepal and then through Central Asia to the Middle East, before
crossing over to northern Africa and Europe.

For the 44-year-old biker, riding is "a source of spirit and
adventure, independence and freedom," which he hopes to share by
"touching the hearts and minds" of people in different societies.

Polnaja's peace trip is sponsored by an Indonesian engine oil firm, an
adventure gear company and a tobacco business. He sold his rubber
company before embarking on the journey.

One of the downsides of his adventure is the time away from his wife
and two teenage sons. "I miss them most. I am all alone on the road
with only my second wife," Polnaja said, referring to his bike.

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Joyo Indonesia News Service
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