Klaten, Central Java \u2014 Participants from 40 countries are attending\nthe 35th International Cycling History Conference in Klaten, Central\nJava, held from 18\u201320 May 2026. The Regent of Klaten, Hamenang Wajar\nIsmoyo, stated on the third day of the event\u2014which is part of the Klaten\nInternational Cycling Festival\u2014that this occasion marks a historic\nmilestone after a long journey of hosting this conference globally.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter 35 iterations held in various parts of the world, it is\nfinally being held in Indonesia for the first time, and Alhamdullilah,\nKlaten Regency has been chosen as the host. This is a great honour for\nus,\u201d he said. He noted that bicycles serve not only as a mode of\ntransport but also as symbols of friendship, history, sustainability,\nand humanity across nations. He added that amidst current global\nchallenges, the sport and culture of cycling can act as a universal\nlanguage that unites differences.<\/p>\n
He further explained that the forum discusses more than just cycling\nhistory; it encompasses civilisation, the environment, health, tourism,\nand the future of eco-friendly global mobility. He also noted that for\nthe first time, the festival series is being held for eight full days,\nallowing participants to engage with local life, explore cultural\nvillages, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the hospitality of the\nresidents.<\/p>\n
He expressed hope that the event would leave lasting memories for\ninternational guests while introducing Klaten to the world as a safe,\ncomfortable, and culturally rich region. \u201cKlaten may not be a\nmetropolitan city, but today it proves that the spirit of collaboration\nand sincerity can host a meaningful international event,\u201d he remarked.\nHe also encouraged civil servants living within a 5km radius of their\noffices to commute via bicycle to promote daily cycling habits.<\/p>\n
Similarly, the Regional Secretary of Central Java Province, Sumarno,\nexpressed his appreciation, noting that bicycles are environmentally\nfriendly transport and that the provincial government wishes to\nencourage the public to return to using them.<\/p>\n
One of the conference speakers, the Netherlands Ambassador to\nIndonesia, Marc Gerritsen, praised the support from the local government\nand shared insights regarding the cycling culture in the Netherlands,\nincluding safety awareness and cycling tests for children. He expressed\nhope that such habits could be adopted in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Another speaker, the German Ambassador to Indonesia, Ralf Beste, also\nshared perspectives on the cycling traditions in Germany. Following the\nconference, the event will continue with leisure cycling tours visiting\nvarious tourism villages across Klaten Regency. The Klaten International\nCycling Festival 2026 runs from 17\u201324 May, featuring activities such as\nthe Social and History Ride, Prambanan Heritage Ride, and National\nCostume Ride.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/delegates-from-40-countries-attend-international-conference-in-klaten-1780886485", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }