Indonesian rally drivers made history at the 2026 Dakar Rally, as Julian Johan and Shammie Baridwan both finished in the top 10 of the Dakar Classic category. It marks the best-ever result for Indonesian competitors in one of the world’s toughest motorsport events, held across the harsh deserts of Saudi Arabia.
Julian Johan delivered a strong performance in the Dakar Classic class, which features vintage rally cars from the 1980s and 1990s, while Shammie Baridwan also secured a top-10 finish. Both drivers completed thousands of kilometers over dunes, rocky terrain, and extreme weather during nearly two weeks of competition.
The Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) praised the achievement, highlighting the drivers’ preparation and the hard work of their technical teams. Motorsport fans across Indonesia celebrated the result as a major breakthrough for the country’s rally scene.
The Dakar Rally is known as one of the most demanding endurance races in the world, requiring skill, navigation accuracy, and mechanical reliability. A top-10 finish is considered a significant accomplishment, especially for private teams without factory backing.
This milestone could boost support for rally racing in Indonesia and inspire more drivers to compete internationally. It also shows that Indonesian motorsport talent is becoming increasingly competitive on the global stage.
