Amartha 10X Run can drive local economies, Indonesia's sports minister says

Running events are becoming more than tests of endurance in Indonesia. Sports Minister Erick Thohir said marathons and half-marathons can also move money through local economies, from micro, small and medium enterprises to accommodation providers.

“

The growing trend of running, which is increasingly popular among the public, is a long-term investment, not only for health, but also for building national character and strengthening the economy.

He made the remarks during the Amartha 10X Run 2026 at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno complex on Sunday, September 7. Thousands of runners took part in the 10-kilometer and half-marathon categories.

Erick described the growing interest in running as a long-term investment. In his view, sport can improve health, help build public character and strengthen economic activity. "The growing trend of running, which is increasingly popular among the public, is a long-term investment, not only for health, but also for building national character and strengthening the economy," he said.

“

With Indonesia's demographics dominated by young people, reaching 125 million between the ages of 13 and 30, our sports participation rate currently stands at 17.5%.

Indonesia has significant room to increase participation, Erick said, pointing to the country's large young population. People aged 13 to 30 number 125 million, but only 17.5% of the population currently participates in sport. "Through running events, such as marathons and half-marathons, we can continue to raise awareness of exercise while driving the wheels of the local economy, from MSMEs to the accommodation sector," he said.

“

Through running events, such as marathons and half-marathons, we can continue to raise awareness of exercise while driving the wheels of the local economy, from MSMEs to the accommodation sector.

The event carried the slogan #WeGoBeyond, encouraging participants to push past their limits on the course and in the race village. Amartha Financial founder and CEO Andi Taufan said the same idea applied to entrepreneurs. "For us, going beyond is not only about running faster or farther, but about having the courage to keep moving and opening new opportunities," he said. He added that Amartha had spent 16 years supporting millions of MSME operators in rural areas across Indonesia.

“

For us, going beyond is not only about running faster or farther, but about having the courage to keep moving and opening new opportunities.