Defying Age: Elderly Indonesian Couple Embarks on Overland Journey to Europe

At an age when many people begin to limit long-distance travel, T. Faisal Laksamana, 65, and Indriati, 61, are choosing the opposite path. The elderly Indonesian couple is preparing for a cross-continental overland expedition lasting approximately ten months, travelling from Indonesia through Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Mecca, and on to Europe.

The journey, titled ‘The Great Overland Journey: Indonesia - Southeast Asia - Mecca - Europe 2026-2027’, is more than just a sightseeing trip. Using a 2022 Toyota Voxy as their primary vehicle, the pair aim to demonstrate that age should not be a barrier to staying active, learning, and exploring the world.

Faisal and Indriati officially began their journey after a send-off at the Toyota Driving Experience in Sunter, North Jakarta, on Saturday, 27 June 2026. The core value of the expedition lies not in the ceremonial departure, but in the courage of two Indonesian senior citizens to travel tens of thousands of kilometres overland, navigating geographical challenges, weather, cross-border administration, and physical endurance.

‘Through this journey, we want to prove that age is not a barrier to dreaming, learning, creating, and exploring the world. The spirit to understand cultures, broaden horizons, and build friendships across nations knows no age limit,’ Faisal stated.

The expedition is also unusual because the chosen vehicle is not an extreme off-road machine, but a Toyota Voxy, a family car better known for urban mobility and long-distance family trips. Prior to departure, the vehicle underwent a thorough inspection at an official Toyota dealer, Auto2000 Radio Dalam, to ensure its readiness for the transcontinental journey.

Jeffrey Irawan, Chairman of the Voxy Club Indonesia, said the journey is a moment to prove the quality, durability, and comfort of the Toyota Voxy on a cross-continent trip. He also expressed support for Faisal and Indriati’s mission to carry Indonesia’s name on their international journey.

For Faisal and Indriati, long-distance travel is nothing new. Since 6 February 2022, they have explored more than 30 provinces in Indonesia and visited eight Southeast Asian countries: Timor-Leste, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and Vietnam. On this expedition to Mecca and Europe, the couple carries a mission to introduce Indonesia through content about culture, tourism, humanity, and inspirational stories from their homeland.