Thousands of cyclists mark Yogyakarta attack

Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta | Sun, 03/01/2009 7:39 PM 
 

 Pedal power: Cyclists in Yogyakarta on Sunday take part in the 60th anniversary commemorations of a March 1, 1949 strike against the Dutch military that was controlling the city. Thousands of cyclists rode around Yogyakarta as part of the event. JP/Slamet Susanto
 

Thousands of cyclists rode around Yogyakarta to mark the 60th anniversary of the Indonesian military’s March 1, 1949 attack on Dutch forces occupying Yogyakarta. 

The cyclists, from more than 200 cycling clubs, gathered at the main Post Office in downtown Yogyakarta. Cyclists also packed Jl. Malioboro, Yogyakarta’s tourist road and main thoroughfare, which was closed to other vehicles on Sunday. 

The gathering was also attended by Yogyakarta mayor Herry Zudiano, who presided over the 60th anniversary ceremony. 

Herry said he supported the promotion and use of bicycles in Yogyakarta, and that riding bicycles would serve as a small contribution to reducing global warming. 

“This also shows that the celebration of this March 1 attack belongs to everyone,” he said.

Yogyakarta administration would continue to promote the use of bicycles in the city to reduce traffic jams and pollution, he said. 

To support biking activities, Herry added, his administration was currently planning to build around 34 new bicycle lanes around Yogyakarta.