Sumatra Touring by Big Bikers Delivers Green Energy Education

The Indonesian Big Motor Association (IMBI) successfully held a national touring event titled ‘Energy Ride 2026 Session 2’ with the sub-theme ‘Sumatera Regional Gathering’ from 8–12 July 2026. The activity was not merely a gathering for automotive enthusiasts but carried a strategic mission to introduce the potential of New and Renewable Energy (EBT) to the younger generation. The tour was attended by 190 participants from various IMBI Regional Boards across Indonesia, as well as representatives from the Malaysian big bike community. The convoy took on a challenging route in Sumatra, starting from Bandar Lampung, traversing extreme roads to the Ulu Belu geothermal area, and passing the scenic Lake Ranau before reaching the finish line in Palembang. A crucial agenda of the trip was a visit to the PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) Ulu Belu Area. 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 vital national asset, participants received an educational presentation on the process of converting geothermal energy into environmentally friendly electricity. Edy Sudarmadi stated that IMBI’s presence serves as tangible social proof that green energy operations in the field are robust and safe for the ecosystem. ‘PGE Ulu Belu is leveraging this momentum as a means of public education to convince the community that geothermal energy is a stable and environmentally friendly pillar of the future,’ said Edy. IMBI Secretary General, Muhammad Iqbal, added that the Energy Ride 2026 was designed so that the community could have 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 promote the importance of clean energy in Indonesia,’ Iqbal emphasised. Given that the PGE area is a National Vital Object with strict regulations, the IMBI Touring Division implemented a disciplined Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). IMBI’s Head of Touring, Freddy Soemitro, conducted intensive coordination with PGE and local police to ensure smooth traffic and the security of the industrial perimeter. Beyond technology, the riders also learned about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes through circular economy empowerment. Participants had the opportunity to taste premium Ulu Belu coffee, a product fostered by PGE’s micro, small, and medium enterprise (UMKM) programme. This synergy is expected to open opportunities for IMBI members with business backgrounds to help expand the market network for these local products. After an overnight stay at Lake Ranau, the group moved towards the final destination in Palembang. The series of events concluded with a Rolling Thunder action towards the Bekangdam II/Sriwijaya Pier, followed by a cruise along the Musi River to Kemaro Island. A Gala Dinner attended by the Governor of South Sumatra, H. Herman Deru, and Senior Commissioner Teddy representing the South Sumatra Police Chief, marked the peak of the event. The Governor appreciated IMBI’s role in promoting regional tourism and providing a direct economic impact on local UMKM. Concluding the event, Muhammad Iqbal expressed appreciation to the Chairman of IMBI South Sumatra, Sofyan Bahri, for the success of the Sumatra stage. After successful events 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.