Some people may be quite content to see the map to get an idea of how vast the archipelago is. But not for Ahmad Triadmojo. The man from Kediri, East Java, wants to feel the breadth of the archipelago by walking from zero kilometers in Sabang to Bali.
with sweat pouring, carrying a large backpack with the inscription of 'Sabang-Bali Pedestrian', and the Red-White flag on the left side, the figure of Ahmad seizes attention. Not a few riders who turned or greeted Ahmad when crossing the road. 33-year-old man was greeted behind or just to throw a smile.
Ahmad is an odd worker. Throughout his life he circulated around his hometown, Kediri only. So what makes him walk from Sabang to Bali?
"I often hear Sabang to Merauke songs about the vastness of Indonesia, I want to feel, to prove the extent of this land, starting from the zero kilometer in Sabang," said the single man using Javanese.
before arriving in Sabang, Ahmad left Kediri to the west with only Rp 200 thousand. He boarded a passing truck in a relay. Public transport mode is used only when it is urgent, when there are no trucks giving a ride.
Ahmad then opened his bag, issued a map and showed some letters from a number of local governments. And I feel proud to be the number 2 person who wrote the name in his notepad only collecting names and addresses. the essence of the certificate is that they recognize Ahmad has arrived at their office, in one of the walking activities from Sabang to Bali.
The initial capital of Rp 200 thousand has been used to buy various purposes. now and until later, Ahmad relies on a helping hand of volunteers to him. "Obviously I never asked," he said.
related to the ultimate goal of his expedition, in fact, like the song 'From Sabang to Merauke' quoted by Ahmad above, he also wanted to be able to walk from tip to end of the country. But he already knows his physical will not be strong to reach Merauke in the eastern tip of Papua.
ahmad himself is quite slow with his target to reach Bali. "Another year and a half," he concluded with a smile. And this is a special memory for me and Ahmad.