Hitting the road

Paper Edition | Page: 21

When the fight begins: Participants of the International Indonesia Off-road Expedition (IOX) 2013 pass Bukit Barisan Mountains at the start of their journey in Aceh province.

Off-road expeditions not only offer outdoor experiences but also provide the opportunity to see other sides of life that are rarely revealed, particularly amid the routine of everyday life.

At the International Indonesia Off-road Expedition (IOX) 2013, the keyword was self-defeat. It was more than just large-powered machines, wide-diameter tires or thick wallets. This was a track to paradise.

“This sacred path must be fully respected,” said a senior off-roader. When eyes turn red, the body becomes exhausted and emotions run high, the true character of a person is revealed.

Sometimes, when emotions get out of control, it leads to real danger. Real experiences test our abilities to battle ourselves.

Wet and difficult: Off-roaders plow up a muddy track going toward Mount Salak in North Aceh regency.Outdoor expeditions are truly amazing. Participants only hear the sound of the insects throughout the night and the sound of birds throughout the day.

Mosquitoes and jungle flies storm relentlessly from all sides and one must be careful of leeches. Pure air is all around, something we do not enjoy in the “concrete jungle”.

A smile is the beginning of an introduction, handshakes are signs of an early friendship and all end in one sense — the sense of brotherhood. This experience is priceless and will not be forgotten.

IOX began for the second time recently in Banda Aceh, Aceh Province, the easternmost city on Sumatra Island. Aceh reminds people about the biggest natural disaster of this century, the 2006 Tsunami that killed hundreds of thousands of people.

Other tragedies that claimed thousands of lives: 1873-1914 Aceh War, where the Acehnese fought against colonialism and another war from 1976-2005, when they demanded independence.

The backbone of Sumatra Island is a mountain range that runs from Weh Island in the eastern end of the country or an hour trip by ferry from the city of Banda Aceh.

The highest point is Mount Kerinci at 3,805 meters located in the middle of the island, which is part of the ring line of world volcanoes.

Sumatra has a large number of plant and animal species, but has lost nearly 50 percent of its tropical rainforests in the last 35 years. Many species are highly endangered, such as the Sumatran tiger, rhinoceros and orangutans.

Steep track: A Toyota jeep belonging to Rony from Medan heads up a muddy slope toward Mount Salak, North Aceh.

Knock out: A Land Rover Defender overturns on a steep track in North Aceh.

Trapped: A Toyota FJ 5 gets stuck in the mud.

— Text and Photos by Ardiles Rante