Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo is a rugged, tough, wild, humid and hot frontier land. It’s not surprising since the equator also cuts across the island. However, on the first weekend in April, it was "hot" for another reason, it was the off-road "battle at Batulicin," on the southern tip of Kalimantan, some 7 hours journey by road (50 mins ride by helicopter) from Banjarmasin.
The off-roading scene of the challenge type has been developing at a healthy pace in Indonesia for the past few years, with off-road events now being held with regularity and with attractive prizes on offer by the sponsors. This second edition of Tanah Bumbu (TANBU) Extreme Challenge attracted some 30 teams from Banjarmasin, Pontianak, Balikpapan, Kota Baru, Surabaya, Bandung and from neighbouring Kuching. The Sarawak contingent was led by Chai Mui Shin (ex-RFC) with two entries.
The event was sponsored by P.T Jhonlim Baratama, the largest coal mining company in town and organized by RFC representative, Pak Hans Mudali, who was assisted by Satria Cipta Off Road, Asyik2 4x4 and Tanbu Off Road Club. It was also supported by JIP, the premier off-road magazine in Indonesia. The event was the biggest happening for Batulicin that weekend.
"Haji Syamsuddin (Syam), the owner of the coal mine is enthusiastic about promoting Tanah Bumbu as well as joining the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) this year, thus the reason for this event," said Pak Hans. In fact, Syam is using this event as a testing ground for his own 4x4 teams. "The format and rules of the event follows the RFC, which is a good way for Indonesian teams to get used to international regulations. The RFC already has a good following here and in other parts of the country," he added.
After the opening ceremony, which was graced by the Bupati (mayor) of Batulicin, Dr H.Muhammad Zainullah Ashar, the participants were thrown into the thick of the action with two short expeditions driving "a la RFC," followed by two Special Stages (SS) termed as "First Blood." Befitting its name, the teams had to go through strenuous winching exercises as well as tough uphill ascends and descends. A good warming up, this is after all, an extreme challenge.
The following day is called the "Longest Day," with 6 SS, which started off from early morning right up to the wee hours of the night with tough sections in between, like driving and recovery across V-gullies with water crossing and soggy conditions near a lake. This second day is the toughest of them all. Already tired at the end of the day, the participants were made to struggle through the night SS. Some sections were illuminated by spot lights courtesy from the coal mine, no problem of lighting there. However, it was an exhausting end to the day’s activities.
The last day was "Show Time," with 2 SS driving along circuit conditions open for public viewing. A stage concert was also thrown in for everyone. Under a carnival-like atmosphere, it was a fitting end to the event.
"The SS are designed to test the teams’ skill in working together in overcoming the obstacles, some are natural while others are man-made, similar to RFC," commented Pak Yus Wahyu, an experienced off-roader roped in for the course/track design. "Here, one vehicle represents one team, unlike other events where three 4x4s make up one team. So, the driver and co-driver must work hard and rely on themselves during the SS," he added. Again, this is also following the RFC format. However, in a three-day event, time is limited and the organizer must put as many varieties of SS as far as possible.
At the end of the three days of thrills and spills, Team Jhonlim Baratama (Syam/Andi) in a Suzuki Carabian emerged the overall champion, Team Sarawak of Chai Mui Shin/Chai Yu Jian in a Suzuki Siera came a close second and third winner went to another Team Jhonlim Baratama (Rizky/Andre) in a Suzuki Carabian. It was a good test for the home teams. " We still have a lot to learn, but we shall be ready for the coming RFC with 3 teams and 1 support crew," said Syam. Apart from them, 2 teams from Banjarmasin and 1 from Pontianak will also be coming. Counting the potential teams in Jakarta and Bandung, it looks like Indonesia will be putting up a big contingent and a force to be reckoned with in RFC’s special 10th anniversary this coming Dec.
The passion seen among the Indonesian off-roaders there is as hot as the weather during the event. It didn’t rain, which might have doubled the difficulties on the tough tracks but nevertheless; the teams have performed with gusto. It’s a good sign of the enthusiasm seen in Batulicin, a harbinger of more good things to come from Indonesia.