Pedaling to Work, Dr. Lukman’s Message on ‘World Sustainable Transport Day’
November 26, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Fransiska Aprilya Lowarmodo
Like much of Greater Jakarta area, Depok—a city where UIII is located—is known for its traffic jams, especially during rush hours on weekday’s mornings. The sound of car horns and motorbike engines fills the air as people try to navigate the crowded streets to go to office. But while most are stuck in this daily chaos, Dr. Lukman Nul Hakim has chosen a different way to get to work—one that is quiet, healthy, and better for our planet.
Dr. Lukman, a psychologist and lecturer at UIII Faculty of Education, chooses to ride his bike to UIII campus. This, he said, is not just about avoiding traffic. Cycling, for him, has become a way of life. “Cycling makes me happy. It gives me energy, clears my mind, and helps me feel at peace,” he testified.
His love for cycling is not limited to his commute. One of his most special memories is a bike trip from Depok to Yogyakarta with his wife. Riding a tandem bike, they pedaled over 500 kilometers together in six days. “It was our romantic journey,” he said. “My wife and I wanted to create memories we’d never forget and celebrate our time together.” Dr. Lukman documented their sweet and inspiring journey on his YouTube Channel.
At home, Dr. Lukman is also part of a community which campaign for “Gowes Nuju Kantor” (Pedaling to Work). The story goes back to when he was working at the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Central Jakarta. He started biking to go to office, and to his surprise, the others joined him. What began as a small group grew into a club called the ‘Parle Cycling Community’, with members from different departments, including parliamentarians. “Change starts with us,” he recalled. “When people see us cycling, they start to wonder if they can do it too. That’s how it all begins.”
Hence, as today (November 26) marks the ‘World Sustainable Transport Day’, Dr. Lukman wants to seize the moment to convey a simple message for all of us: “Try biking, walking, or taking public transport, even if it is just once a week,” he said. “It is a small change that makes a big difference. It is good for your health, your mood, and the planet we live in.”
In this very special moment, Dr. Lukman dreams of a day when people do not see cycling as something special or difficult, but as a normal way to get around. “You don’t need fancy gear or special jerseys. Just hop on your bike and go,” he concluded.
At UIII, sustainability is a part of everyday life. The university supports initiatives that promote green practices, such as encouraging students, lecturers and staff to use bicycles as a sustainable mode of transportation around campus. This aligns with UIII’s broader commitment to sustainability, which includes eco-friendly campus initiatives, green buildings, and efforts to reduce the carbon footprint.
Dr. Lukman’s message aligns closely with UIII’s values for a green campus and sustainability. As an academic institution, UIII encourages its community to take responsibility for the environment and adopt practices that contribute to a more sustainable future.