Jokowi, with Lorenzo, started from his official residence at Jalan Taman Surapati at 7:30 a.m. local time and reached the City Hall at 8 a.m.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Governor of Jakarta Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, cycled along with Spanish MotoGP Rider from Yamaha Racing Factory Team Jorge Lorenzo, from Surapati Park to City Hall.

Jokowi, with Lorenzo, started from his official residence at Jalan Taman Surapati at 7:30 a.m. local time and reached the City Hall at 8 a.m.

Besides Jokowi, Lorenzo and the Governor aides, several cyclists from the "Bike to Work" community followed the Friday morning cycling regime.

"We cycled together with the aim to make cycling a new culture in Jakarta and to inculcate this healthy habit among people," explained Jokowi at the City Hall.

According to Jokowi, initially the cycling plan was to be carried out along with Lorenzos companion in the Yamaha Racing Team, the Italian Valentino Rossi, too. However, Rossi was delayed in joining Jokowi and Lorenzo.

Jokowi described his experiences of cycling with Lorenzo, as being quick, as though it was a race.

"I cycled rather fast. If we were both in a race, I think I could have won," joked Jokowi.

Meanwhile, Lorenzo expressed his happiness to be in Jakarta. He was especially happy to be able to cycle along with the Governor of Jakarta. At the press conference, he delighted everyone by saying hello to the press in the Indonesian language.

"Halo, selamat pagi. Saya senang ada disini. Jakarta kota yang indah. Ini pengalaman pertama untuk saya, khususnya bersepeda bersama gubernur. Saya harap bisa membantu menumbuhkan budaya bersepeda kepada seluruh masyarakat. (Hello, good morning. Im happy to be here. Jakarta is a beautiful city. It is my first experience, especially cycling with the governor. I hope to help foster a culture of cycling among all the people)," stated Lorenzo.

Rossi attended the press conference too, although he was not involved in the cycling event with Jokowi and Lorenzo.

"Im sorry, Im late. Unfortunately I missed the chance to cycle with the Governor of Jakarta. Maybe, we can do it again next time," Rossi remarked.

Rossi expressed his support of the new routine in the Provincial Administration of Jakarta to cycle every Friday morning.

"Personally, I still ride motorcycles. But, I do think cycling in Jakarta is much better because with too many people riding motorcycles, it may cause traffic jams," added Rossi. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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