The 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) is set to welcome back a familiar face with a fresh chapter. Indonesian star Galang Hendra Pratama is making his return to the AP250 class, this time with Akai Jaya Racing, a new team making its debut in the highly competitive category. While the team may be new to the paddock, Galang’s presence brings instant credibility, experience, and high expectations.
Despite being just weeks away from the start of the season, Galang seemed calm, focused, and ready. “Everything’s going well so far. I’ve been preparing both physically and mentally. I’ve done a lot of off-the-bike training such as cardio, strength, and reflexes. Not only that, I’ve also been working on my mindset. It’s important to stay mentally sharp, because racing is not just about speed. It’s about consistency, decision-making, and staying composed under pressure.”
Galang is no stranger to ARRC. His international racing career began in the AP250 class back in 2015 before he went on to compete at the world level in the World Supersport 300 (WorldSSP300) category. That experience, he believes, gives him a valuable edge in his return to the Asian scene. “Racing at the international level taught me so much, especially on small bikes like 250cc or Yamaha YZF-R3. I’ve learned how to manage the race better, how to analyze setups and understand tire behavior. I’m bringing all of that knowledge back with me. My goal is to help Akai Jaya Racing fight at the front. We’re not here to just be on the grid, we’re here to compete.”
When asked what motivated his return to ARRC, Galang said, “ARRC is already like home for me. It all started here in 2015. After that, I moved up to the next level, but I kept following ARRC. I saw a lot of my friends become champions, and that gave me new motivation. I want to be like them. I want to win the Asia title too. That fire inside me is still very much alive.”
Returning to a field stacked with young and aggressive riders doesn’t faze Galang. In fact, he sees it as a chance to race smarter, not just harder. “Yes, there are a lot of young riders in this class, and many are very aggressive on the bike. But with experience, I’ve learned that it’s not always about being the fastest. It’s about being clever. After reviewing many of my past races, I realized sometimes you just have to enjoy the ride and keep your mind free. That’s what I want to focus on now: racing with intelligence, staying calm, and making smart moves.”
Joining a brand new team presents its own unique challenges, especially in a category where bike setup and data collection are critical to success. But Galang is optimistic about the progress so far. “We’re working really hard. Big thanks to TWMR for giving us the opportunity to join this category. Even though we’re a new team, I don’t think we’re far from the top teams in terms of performance. We just need to find the final setup and the right chemistry between rider and machine. Once we get that, we can be very competitive.”
As for his goal this season, Galang is clear and determined: “I want to be the AP250 Champion. I know it won’t be easy, there are many strong riders and teams, but I’m ready to give it everything. I’ll work really hard, not just for myself, but for my team, my country, and everyone who believes in me.”