Sumatra Touring by Big Bikers Delivers Green Energy Education
The Indonesian Big Motorcycle Association (IMBI) successfully held its national touring event, Energy Ride 2026 Session 2, under the sub-theme Sumatera Regional Gathering, from 8 to 12 July 2026. The event was not merely a gathering of automotive enthusiasts, but carried a strategic mission to introduce the potential of New and Renewable Energy (EBT) to the younger generation.
This touring leg was joined by 190 participants from various IMBI regional boards (Pengda) across Indonesia, as well as representatives of big bike communities from Malaysia.
The convoy took on a challenging route along the Sumatra corridor, starting from Bandar Lampung, climbing extreme roads towards the Ulu Belu geothermal area, passing the beauty of Lake Ranau, and reaching the finish line in the city of Palembang.
One of the crucial agendas of the journey was a visit to the Geothermal Power Plant area of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) in Ulu Belu. The arrival of hundreds of high-performance big bikes was welcomed directly by the General Manager of PGE Ulu Belu Area, Edy Sudarmadi.
At this national vital object, participants received an educational presentation on the process of converting geothermal energy into environmentally friendly electricity. Edy Sudarmadi stated that IMBI’s presence served as tangible social proof that green energy operations on the ground run solidly and safely for the ecosystem.
“PGE Ulu Belu Area is using this momentum as a means of public education to convince the community that geothermal energy is a stable pillar of the future that is environmentally friendly,” said Edy.
The Secretary General of IMBI, Muhammad Iqbal, added that Energy Ride 2026 was designed so that the community could deliver a positive impact.
“Our target is to educate thousands of members so that going forward, IMBI can become part of a society that understands the benefits of geothermal energy and is ready to help Pertamina socialise the importance of clean energy in Indonesia,” asserted Iqbal.
Given that the PGE area is a National Vital Object (Obvitnas) with strict regulations, the IMBI Touring Division enforced a disciplined Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
The Head of the IMBI Touring Division, Freddy Soemitro, coordinated intensively with PGE and the local police to ensure smooth traffic flow and the security of the industrial perimeter.
Beyond technology, the riders were also introduced to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme through circular economy empowerment. Participants had the opportunity to taste premium Ulu Belu coffee cultivated by PGE-supported micro, small and medium enterprises (UMKM). This synergy is expected to open opportunities for IMBI members with entrepreneurial backgrounds to help expand the market networks for these local products.
After an overnight stay at Lake Ranau, the convoy moved towards the final point in Palembang. The series of events concluded with a Rolling Thunder ride to the Bekangdam II/Sriwijaya Dock, followed by a cruise along the Musi River towards Kemaro Island.
The Gala Dinner, attended by the Governor of South Sumatra, H. Herman Deru, and Kombes Teddy representing the South Sumatra Police Chief, marked the culmination of the event. The Governor expressed appreciation for IMBI’s role in promoting regional tourism and delivering direct economic impact to local UMKM.
Closing the series of events, Muhammad Iqbal conveyed appreciation to the Head of IMBI South Sumatra, Sofyan Bahri, for the success of the Sumatra leg. After successes in Java (Session 1) and Sumatra (Session 2), IMBI is now preparing to continue its green education mission in Session 3, with the final destination at the PGE Lahendong area in North Sulawesi.