A member of the Student Association of Nature Lovers of Universitas Indonesia (Mapala UI), Mochamad Aqil Fajar Asyabani (25), has officially started an ambitious exploration mission titled 'Menapak Bumi: Bike-Hiking Jawa-Bali-Lombok'. The journey, which was flagged off from Depok, West Java, on Sunday (5/7/2026), integrates bicycle transportation with self-supported mountain climbing activities.
Over the next 54 days, Aqil targets covering a distance of 1,634 kilometers across the islands of Java and Bali, ending in Lombok. Not only cycling, he also bears a demanding physical mission, namely climbing 13 mountains with altitudes above 3,000 meters above sea level (masl), including Mount Pangrango, Ciremai, Arjuno, Argopuro, and the summit of Rinjani.
Aqil explained that his travel strategy involves using a bicycle as the primary means of mobility to the base of the mountains. Upon reaching a stopover, he will park his bicycle in the basecamp area before continuing the climb to the summit. While traversing various terrains, from highways to uphill village paths, he will collaborate with local student nature lover communities as climbing partners and for transit stops.
Inspired by the achievements of ultra-endurance runner Kilian Jornet, Aqil is committed to running this mission with principles of independence and minimalism. He emphasized that the entire series of stages, both cycling and climbing, will be well-documented to prove the potential of human physical and mental endurance when thoroughly prepared.
The Head of Mapala UI, Salman Muzhaffar Hanif, highly appreciated this individual initiative. According to him, Aqil's action represents the adventurous spirit of the new generation of Mapala UI who dare to break boundaries. Organizational support is provided in the form of networking access and sponsorships to ensure the smooth running of the expedition, which is expected to inspire the outdoor enthusiast community in the country.
