Klaten Explores Dutch Cycling Embassy Partnership to Advance Tropical Cycling Innovation

On Wednesday, June 25th, the Dutch Cycling Embassy joined representatives from the Klaten Regency Government in Central Java, Indonesia, for an online knowledge exchange focused on cycling development and international cooperation.

During the session, International Relations Manager Chris Bruntlett shared Dutch experiences in developing connected cycling networks, integrating cycling into broader transportation systems, and establishing the institutional frameworks needed to support long-term investment. Participants also explored opportunities for future collaboration, including knowledge exchange around governance, cycling master planning, infrastructure design, and community engagement.

The discussion centred on Klaten’s ambitious vision to become “The World’s Tropical Cycling Laboratory”—a living laboratory dedicated to understanding how cycling can be normalized in hot, humid climates and scaled across tropical regions around the world. Home to more than 1.3 million residents and located between Yogyakarta and Surakarta, Klaten sees cycling as a strategic opportunity to improve mobility, strengthen tourism, and enhance quality of life. According to the Regency’s recently published Cycling City Profile, the area combines flat terrain, strong political commitment, active cycling communities, and significant tourism assets, creating favourable conditions for a shift toward daily cycling.

A key topic was the proposed Klaten Tropical Cycling Lab (KTCL), which would serve as a platform for research, pilot projects, and international partnerships. By combining Dutch expertise with Klaten’s unique tropical conditions, the initiative aims to generate new knowledge that can help cities across Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and other tropical regions unlock the benefits of cycling.

The meeting marked an important first step in what both parties hope will become a long-term partnership. As cities around the world search for sustainable mobility solutions, Klaten’s willingness to experiment and innovate offers an exciting opportunity to expand the global conversation on cycling beyond the temperate climates where most current best practices have been developed.