The Brunei Four Wheel Drive Association (BFWDA) on Sunday flagged off the Brunei-Malaysia-Indonesia Archipelago Adventure 2025 in a ceremony participated by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad.
The event saw six vehicles departing from Bandar Seri Begawan, marking the start of an epic overland expedition spanning three countries, aimed at strengthening regional ties and promoting cross-cultural understanding through four-wheel drive exploration.
In his welcoming speech, BFWDA President Haji Suhaimei bin Haji Besar extended his appreciation to the minister for officiating the event and lending strong support to the association’s regional efforts.
Founded in 2003, BFWDA has been actively involved in both local and international activities, including volunteering with Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and providing logistics support during floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This expedition embodies the spirit of unity, challenge, and brotherhood across borders,” Haji Suhaimei said, adding that the journey offers more than just adventure – it fosters lasting connections between the off-road communities of Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Led by BFWDA Deputy President Mazlani bin Haji Mahadi, the convoy will undergo two phases. The first leg, spanning 16 days, will take participants through Sarawak and Kalimantan to Jakarta and Medan. The second leg will continue for another 16 days from Medan to Banda Aceh before returning to Jakarta.
“This is not our first venture into international expeditions,” Haji Suhaimei noted. “We’ve proudly represented Brunei in events like the ASEAN-India Rally in 2004 and 2012, as well as the China-ASEAN International Touring Assembly from 2017 to 2021.”
The association sees the journey not only as a test of endurance and vehicle capability, but as a powerful symbol of friendship and mutual respect, all while taking in the diverse landscapes of the region. Haji Suhaimei concluded his speech with prayers for a safe and successful journey, hoping the team returns with valuable experiences and cherished memories. – Fadley Faisal
