Malaysia To Organise Cycling Programme In Medan As Diplomatic Instrument

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar JAKARTA, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- The Consulate General of Malaysia in Medan will organise a cycling programme, 'Gowes Dua Negara' (G2N), as a diplomatic instrument to strengthen community relations in Malaysia and Indonesia. The programme will be held on Aug 21 at Lapangan Benteng Medan in conjunction with the celebration of the 65th year of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Indonesia this year. "My main mission is to create a sense of respect and foster friendly feelings on both sides of the neighbouring communities," said Consul General Aiyub Omar. He said G2N is targeting the local community in Medan and the Malaysian diaspora to foster a spirit of goodwill as close neighbours. The cycling programme – or 'gowes', as the locals call it – was chosen as the activity is gaining interest and is an athletic 'trend' with a cycling community of 5,000 fans, he said. Medan is the capital of North Sumatra Province (Sumut) and the third largest city in Indonesia with 2.4 million inhabitants. Cycling is not only favoured by young people in professional circles but is also participated by people of all levels of society, especially those of the middle class and below. According to Aiyub, this programme has the strong support of the Governor and Deputy Governor of North Sumatra who actively cycle and jog every week. "Governor Edy Rahmayadi welcomed me when I mentioned the idea of ​​G2N," he said, adding that full cooperation was given through the North Sumatra Culture and Tourism Office. Themed, 'Our Leisure Bicycles Strengthen the Bonds of Two Nations' (Sepeda Santai Kita Tingkatkan Tali Persaudaraan Dua Negara), the programme was organised through the Malaysia-Indonesia Trust Fund under Wisma Putra (Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry). G2N is also supported by Malaysian companies in Indonesia and Malaysia including Langkat Nusantara Kepong, Nafasindo, Malaysia Airlines, Maybank, Sunway Hotel Georgetown Penang, and GISB Holdings as the sole sponsor. Indonesian companies such as Rodalink, Batik Air, Grand City Hall Hotel and Columbia Asia Hospital contributed prizes for the lucky draw. G2N also promotes Malaysian food and dance and provides various food stalls, health and eye check-ups, as well as free haircuts and a blood donation programme. -- BERNAMA