Riding Yamaha YZF-R3, Aldi Satya Mahendra Is Indonesia's First World Champion At World Supersport 300

Aldi Satya Mahendra and his racing motorbike. (Photo: Afrizal/VOI)

JAKARTA - The name Indonesia is at the center of hot talks in the world of motorcycle racing, after Aldi Satya Mahendra became world champion of World Supersport 300 (WorldSSP300).

This man from Bantul, Yogyakarta became the first racer from Indonesia to win an international motorcycle racing event. A little short profile for this one racer, Aldi was born on June 27, 2006 and his own family is indeed very thick with racing.

Call it the father named Dicky Hestu and Mrs. Desy Prasanti who are indeed former racers. Meanwhile, his brother, Galang Hendra Pratama, is also active in competing in international events.

Non-instan instant travel

Aldi Satya Mahendra said that his journey was not easy, even called many processes that had to go through.

"My journey was not instant, I started a career from national championship racing with 110 to 150 cc. In 2019 I was under Yamaha for the Underbone 150 class Road Racing Championship," he said, when met in the Jakarta area, Thursday, October 24.

Aldi further said that at that time he was always consistent in getting on the podium, and continued to advance to AP250 in 2022. Achievements at the national level and Asia led him to Europe, where he received an invitation to join the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp in Italy, an academy founded by racing legend Valentino Rossi.

"Sempat di Eropa itu berada di jalur trek juara dan saat perangkaran gelar juara saya crash di seri akhir, dan untuk tahun 2024 ini saya membuktikan bahwa saya bisa juara dunia," tambahnya.

Silence but fast on track

The father, Dicky Hestu, said that the child was actually a quiet person, but when he was wearing a racing wearpack he couldn't control it. The model, if seen, is like normal, but the spirit is extraordinary.

"Aldi is a quiet child but indeed racing cannot be controlled, and is diligent. It's like waking up and exercising physically and not having a lot of behavior," said Dicky.

Dicky Hestu also shared that his son's interest in becoming a racer was seen early on. In fact, Aldi had participated in miniGPs at the age of 5 to 6 years, then at the age of 7, he attended a higher event.

"The first time I brought it was a miniGP and then it continued to rise to the next level.

The figure of the older brother is a role model

Dicky also shared that the figure of Galang Hendra Pratama's brother was also an example for his son. Galang Hendra, as he is known, is still participating in the same championship as Aldi.

"What is clear is that he saw what his brother was like, and now there are also training, so he is helped," he said.

Good cooperation with the entire team

Aldi Satya Mahendra's achievements also show the results of the good cooperation between Yamaha Indonesia and the Yamaha Motor Company and the BrCorse team and of course supported by the advantages of the Yamaha product, namely the YZF-R3 used by Aldi Satya Mahendra to win World Supersport 300. Please note, the YZF-R3 model is a global motorcycle produced by Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing in the country, which is indeed the twin of the R25 sports motorbike for the overseas market.

"Aldi Satya Mahendra has shown his ability to compete in world-class competitions, even winning world titles. We are happy to realize the achievements of the nation's children as representatives of Indonesia who make the country proud in the world arena. This success is also proof of the strong DNA Racing Yamaha, becoming a big team that is taken into account when competing on the circuit," said Dyonisius Beti, President Director & CEO of PT. Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM).