Viral Wanita Joki Tong Setan: Dari Pasar Malam ke Inggris

Karmila Purba, a 27-year-old motordrome rider from Sondi Raya, North Sumatra, has represented Indonesia in the United Kingdom three times. According to a Wolipop interview, Purba’s career began in local night markets in 2014, eventually leading to her inclusion in a global registry of “wall of death” performers.

Purba, known on social media as “Princess Tong Setan,” transitioned from performing in rural night markets to international circus stages. She told Wolipop on June 11, 2026, that her profession as a “tong setan” (wall of death) jockey served as her ticket to perform in the UK.

Her achievements have gained significant digital traction. Videos of her performances have reached over 2 million views on Instagram, where she shares behind-the-scenes footage with foreign circus crews and clips of herself riding without handlebars .

Did You Know? Karmila Purba is one of the few Indonesian riders to be officially listed in the global registry of motordrome or “wall of death” players.

How does a rider master the “Wall of Death”?

Performing horizontally on vertical wooden walls requires specific physical and mental disciplines. Purba identifies four primary requirements for the role: the ability to ride a motorcycle, the capacity to withstand initial dizziness, physical balance, and strong courage, according to her interview with Wolipop.

Purba noted that the process was not immediate. She spent years learning to control fear and manage the disorientation caused by the centrifugal force of the motordrome.

What challenges do female riders face in extreme motordromes?

Purba describes the field as one predominantly occupied by men. She told Wolipop that she faced significant mental and physical hurdles while establishing herself in a male-dominated profession.

Beyond the track, Purba highlighted the logistical difficulties of international touring. She cited the struggle to obtain UK visas and the anxiety of traveling alone to a foreign country with a different language as primary obstacles.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that Purba’s transition from rural markets to European stages highlights a shift in how niche extreme skills are commodified globally. By breaking gender norms in a high-risk environment, Purba increases the visibility of Indonesian performers in the international circus circuit.

What could be the next steps for Purba’s career?

Given her current trajectory and viral social media presence, Purba may see an increase in international bookings. Her success could lead to more opportunities for other Indonesian performers to enter the global motordrome circuit.

Karmila Purba, Princess Tong Setan, Wall of Death Tour of England 2024

She may also continue to leverage her platform to mentor younger Indonesians. Purba has already publicly encouraged the youth to leave their comfort zones and pursue large ambitions regardless of others’ doubts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Karmila Purba from?
She is from Sondi Raya, Simalungun, North Sumatra, Indonesia.

How many times has she performed in the UK?
According to Purba, she has traveled to the UK three times to represent Indonesia.

When did she start her career as a motordrome rider?
She has been involved in the profession since 2014, starting at local night markets.

Do you think extreme sports are the most effective way to bridge cultural gaps internationally?