This handout courtesy of Medi Bastoni taken and released on August 5, 2019 shows Bastoni as he takes a selfie during a quick stop in Kendal, during his ongoing campaign to draw attention to the issue of deforestation in Indonesia. (Photo by Medi BASTONI / COURTESY OF MEDI BASTONI / AFP)

JAKARTA, BALIPOST.com – An Indonesian man is walking 700 kilometres (435 miles) from his home on a volcano in East Java to Jakarta in the hope of drawing attention to the archipelago’s quickly shrinking forests — and he is doing it backwards.

Medi Bastoni, a 43-year-old father of four, set out on his arduous, in-reverse journey in mid-July, with the goal of reaching the capital by August 16, a day before the Southeast Asian nation’s independence day anniversary.

Baca juga:  Two Airlines Propose 216 Extra Flights Near Holiday

“Of course I’m exhausted, but I’m willing to do this to fight for the next generation,” Bastoni told AFP.

“(My home) is losing all of its trees so I have to do something. I can take the pain and fatigue.”

When he arrives, Bastoni said he hopes to meet with president Joko Widodo and highlight deforestation across the archipelago including at his home on Mt. Wilis, a dormant volcano.

Baca juga:  Pemilihan Pemimpin 2024 Tentukan Kesempatan Indonesia Menjadi Negara Maju

Indonesia suffers from one of the high rates of deforestation in the world, according to Greenpeace.

Bastoni walks 20 to 30 kilometres backwards every day under the scorching sun, with a rear-view mirror attached to his backpack to avoid bumping into objects.

Along the way, supporters cheer him on, offer him meals or a place to stay overnight. But Bastoni always leaves at dawn to stay on schedule.

Baca juga:  Karena Ini, Kasus COVID-19 Bisa Bertahan Lama di Indonesia

Walking backwards is meant as a siganl to Indonesians to reflect on the past and remember how national heroes fought for the good of the country, he said. (AFP)

BAGIKAN

TINGGALKAN BALASAN

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

CAPCHA *