RI off-roaders set for Australia

JAKARTA (JP): A group of 20 top national off-road drivers, in a stint coordinated by the Tranka Offroad Club Jakarta, will venture into Australian forests and deserts on Oct. 23-25 in an attempt to refine their racing skills and enhance their survival ability in the wilderness.

Instead of using maps as they have done so far, they will for the first time be required to use compasses and apply their basic knowledge of navigation, Alex Pri Bangun, the club's chairman, said yesterday.

Alex added that he hopes the stint, during which four-wheel drive cars will be rented in Australia for a matter of efficiency, would in turn attract Australian off-roaders to venture into the Indonesian wilderness. (arf)