From Serpong to Palembang: Veri Undertakes Homecoming Journey by Bicycle

A sleeping bag and tent were neatly fastened to a black bicycle pedalled by Veri (50) as he arrived at Ciwandan Port, Banten, on the evening of Tuesday, 17 March. From Serpong, he began a long journey to Palembang, alone, powered by his own strength and determination.

Veri departed from his home at approximately 09:00 Western Indonesian Standard Time. He chose to cycle at a leisurely pace despite facing scorching heat throughout the journey. Initially, he considered fasting, but ultimately abandoned the idea due to physical exhaustion.

“The cycling earlier was leisurely, but the heat was unbearable,” said Veri when met at the location on the evening of Tuesday, 17 March.

At approximately 21:00 Western Indonesian Standard Time, he arrived at the port. He deliberately raced to catch a vessel scheduled to depart at 00:00 Western Indonesian Standard Time, hoping to rest during the crossing.

Undertaking a homecoming journey by bicycle is not new to Veri. Since 2018, he has regularly undertaken return journeys by bicycle, including crossing to Sumatra via Merak Port. Only in 2025 did he forego a complete bicycle journey.

“Last year I cycled back from Palembang,” he said.

Drawing on his experience, Veri is accustomed to handling various road conditions. He typically sets up a tent to rest in the vicinity of relief posts or around mosques. He adjusts his stopping times accordingly, usually in the late afternoon into evening.

“Late afternoon to evening, if I encounter a mosque or relief post, I usually ask permission and set up my tent outside,” he said.

He also avoids cycling through dark roads or areas surrounded by forest during nighttime. For Veri, safety remains a priority during his long journey.

Although not always straightforward, cycling home remains something he pursues with full awareness. Intense heat, fatigue, and solitude on the road become inseparable parts of the experience.

However, for Veri, the bicycle is more than a mode of transport. It is a “friend” that accompanies him amidst the quiet.

“I love cycling; it is my only source of entertainment,” he said.

The journey will continue to Palembang. Veri is targeting his arrival in time to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in his hometown.

“I should arrive by the evening of the takbir on 20 March,” he said.

Amid Veri’s story, Ciwandan Port continued to be crowded with holiday travellers. Rows of motorcycles with large bags and cardboard boxes fastened to the rear filled the queue towards the ship.

The flow of two-wheeled vehicles continued arriving until Wednesday, 18 March early morning. According to official data, the total number of passengers passing through Ciwandan Port on Tuesday, 17 March reached 15,008 people, with 8,928 two-wheeled vehicles.

Meanwhile, by Wednesday early morning, an additional 3,944 passengers and 2,644 two-wheeled vehicles had crossed via the port.