Jumpin in Java
a solo mission to Indonesia
story and photos
by Wez Lundry
IF YOU EVER WIND UP GOING TO INDONESIA, most
likely it won't be just to skateboard. In this archipelagic nation with a
population of around 200 million, ruled for the last thirty years by a
despotic military dictator, there are very few modern roads outside of
the half dozen or so major cities. If, however, your plans include a trip
to Bandung, by all means bring your cue.
of
Bandung is Indonesia's third largest city. Located in the mountains
West Java, the cool air is a welcome change from the oppressive
heat of the lowlands, and Bandung is home to a thriving skate scene.
Much of the credit can go to a patronly old-schooler named Charly.
He owns Bandung's skate shop, Hobbies, as well as pays for and main-
tains an outdoor cement and wood obstacle park at Taman Lalulintas
and an indoor warehouse park next to his shop. The obstacles are
nothing amazing, but fun nonetheless, and the recently-completed
mini-ramp at Hobbies is well-built. The anarchic insanity of the roads
coupled with the dilapidated condition of most sidewalks render
streetskating nearly impossible and very hazardous.
The skaters themselves are like skaters anywhere else in this
world, although most have to overcome financial burden to even
buy skate equipment in the first place. I was lucky enough to be
in Bandung for
contest that Charly put on, which turned out to be
really fun. Visiting American, Matt Hummel, and I were judges for
the four divisions that included beginner, intermediate, amateur,
and "old doggies," as well as a high ollie and a mini-ramp contest.
The more advanced skaters can throw down some tech and go big,
and some of the less-advanced kids show some promise. The con-
test winner, Dimas, is a 15-year-old ripper, and good enough to be
sponsored in the States.
There's a little bit of a punk scene as well, and skater Andre's
band Piece Of Cake is all the rage. Pretty bold in an oppressive
Islamic society that frowns on non-conformity and blasts the call to
Mosque five times a day, starting at 4:30 in the morning, from loud-
speakers all over town. If you make it to Bandung, bring your
board, and you'll be stoked.
The contest winners and
the local crew hanging
out at Hobbies Skateshop.
Fani charges into a switch 5-0 at
the Taman Lalulintas outdoor park.
Beginner:
1. Galih
2. Beni
3. Reza
3. Ari
4. Yogi
5. Willy
4. Anga
5. Luky
Sunday Jam, March 9, 1997
Advanced:
1. Metal
2. Inonk
Amateur:
1. Dimas.
2. Maskom:
3. Arin
4. Cholay
5. Tiko
Old Doggies:
Mini-Ramp:
Highest Ollie:
1, Odon
1. Maskom
Tiko
2. Charly
2. Rudi
2. Andre
3. Roni
.
3. Isma
4. Dimas
4. Ardjie
5. Metal
4. Aldi
Arin, feeble-grinding a
simulated rail obstacle.+
5. Tony
The indoor park at Hobbies
in Bandung, West Java.
K