BikeJava 2011: Mission Statement
Indonesia is a country that is often misunderstood and only seen in slivers – the beautiful landscape of Bali, the separatist movement in East Timor, the devastating tsunami in Aceh, governmental corruption reformation efforts. It is a country that is so varied it is difficult to grasp as a whole. However, what has been consistent is the willingness for Indonesians to share a meal or a drink and have a chat and a few laughs, even when time and money may be limited. The BikeJava2011 campaign involves a pair of English teachers who will raise funds, bike-pack from Jakarta to Banyuwangi (across the entire island of Java), and deliver supplies, funds, and/or volunteer some of their time. The participants of BikeJava 2011 were fortunate enough to live on the island of Java, Indonesia for nine (9) months teaching English, learning the language and the culture. While working with high school students on the island of Java the cyclists have been inspired by their genuine desire and spirit to make Indonesia a better place. The cyclists have come to understand that while there is much natural and human beauty in Indonesia there are also many needs like general medical services, education in resource-poor rural areas, environmental conservation, and advocating the arts in Indonesia. The small core of bike-packers are requesting donations in any amount to provide supplies for four (4) organizations to continue their work in the categories just mentioned.
This small campaign is not merely about giving financial assistance, the BikeJava cyclists will commit time along their journey to work side-by-side with each organization and connect on an individual level. Mixed in with the bike-packer's desire to give back to Indonesia is their love for cycling. Along their journey they will be joined by Indonesian cycling enthusiasts with whom the bike-packers will share their mission, a meal, and a few laughs. It is the intent of the BikeJava cyclists to provide assistance to small and/or new startup organizations in the four (4) categories of general medical services, education in resource-poor areas, environmental conservation, and art advocacy that do, or have potential to do, amazing work with the funds and/or supplies provided. A few dollars can make a significant difference for causes that these organizations dedicate themselves to. All donations will go directly to help each respective cause; the cost of the trip itself will be paid out of the cyclists' own pockets.
These particular types of organizations were chosen because of the cyclists' personal passions and interests. Heather Halk is a graduate of Pitzer College in California. She is an art enthusiast, feminist activist, teacher, and avid cyclist. She plans to continue working with women and children finding ways to improve education by incorporating art and culture. Mark Sueyoshi is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine with a particular interest in sociology and anthropology. He is a diver, hiker, all-around nature enthusiast, and also an avid cyclist. He will return to the City University of New York, Hunter College to complete his pre-medical requirements in order to go to medical school and ultimately work in the international health field.
The BikeJava2011 cyclists hope that you will support their campaign to give back to Indonesia through donations and messages of encouragement. Mark Sueyoshi has been keeping a record of the planning process through his blog http://apakabarmark.blogspot.com and will continue to record the journey. Both Heather Halk and Mark Sueyoshi will happily accept and respond to emails regarding BikeJava2011.
Mark Sueyoshi – marksueyoshi@yahoo.com
Heather Halk - chicabailadora@yahoo.com
Terima Kasih!
