Lhokseumawe (Aceh, Indonesia) is a city deeply connected to the sea. From almost every corner of the city, the salty scent of the Strait of Malacca wafts like a constant greeting. Giant tankers frequently pass in the distance, slowly appearing like shadows moving across the horizon. The sea seems to be the city's front yard, where life pulsates with the rhythm of the waves.
On a sunny weekend, my family and I participated in a fun bike ride with the Malikussaleh University academic community. That morning, the sky was clear, and the sun radiated a warm, not yet scorching light, as if giving its blessing to the hundreds of bicycles that would be cruising the city streets. In the courtyard of Hiraq Field, participants had gathered since early morning. Some came with their families, while others were groups of students cheerfully joking with each other.
When the whistle blew, the wheels of our bicycles began to move in unison. We pedaled slowly, leaving the bustle of the field and heading towards the lively city streets. The route then took us towards the coast, where the sea opened up a boundless view.
The sea breeze gently caressed our faces, bringing with it the distinctive scent of salt. From a distance, the coastline seemed to stretch out, while the sound of waves lapped gently against the sand. We then passed Jagu Beach, a path that felt ideal for a leisurely seaside bike ride.
On the beach, fishing life went on as usual. Several men stood in a row at the water's edge, pulling in long nets with unified movements. They were performing tarek pukat, a traditional fishing method passed down through generations of the coastal communities of Aceh. The hands pulling the nets moved slowly but surely, as if following the rhythm of the incoming and outgoing waves.
The fun bike participants slowed their pedals for a moment, enjoying the simple yet meaningful scenery. Some paused to take photos, while others simply gazed out at the sea with small smiles on their faces.
To me, the morning atmosphere felt like a moving painting. If captured in a black-and-white photo frame, perhaps its beauty would be even more palpable. The rolling waves, the expansive sky, the passing bicycles, and the people immersed in their activities—all blended together in a simple, elegant composition.
That morning's fun bike ride was more than just a sporting activity. It was another way to celebrate life in a coastal city: a city that thrives with the sea, with the wind, and with people who daily pin their hopes on the blue horizon before them.