Jakarta Marathon Boosts Economy and Promotes Healthy Living, Minister Says

The BTN Jakarta International Marathon (JAKIM) 2026, which concluded on June 14, has been lauded as a significant event for both public health and economic development in Indonesia. The marathon attracted around 45,000 runners from across the country and abroad, underscoring a growing interest in running as a lifestyle activity.

Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir praised the international-scale event for its dual impact. "BTN Jakarta International Marathon 2026 is a positive step to encourage Indonesians to prioritize a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, this activity also drives the economy through the development of sport tourism and the growing sports industry," Thohir stated on Sunday.

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BTN Jakarta International Marathon 2026 is a positive step to encourage Indonesians to prioritize a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, this activity also drives the economy through the development of sport tourism and the growing sports industry.

Thohir emphasized that large-scale sporting events like JAKIM 2026 have far-reaching benefits, stimulating various economic sectors including transportation, hospitality, and small businesses. The high number of participants, he noted, reflects the increasing social and economic value of sports.

Looking ahead, Thohir proposed an ambitious vision for regional sports cooperation. He suggested that Southeast Asia could develop its own series of iconic marathons, similar to the Boston and Tokyo Marathons. "Why don't we in Southeast Asia have a series of similar events? Hopefully, by 2027 or 2028, Indonesia, along with Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, can collaborate to organize an ASEAN regional marathon series," he said. This idea aligns with discussions from the Southeast Asia Ministerial Meeting on Youth and Sports (SEAMMYS) in Bali, which aimed to enhance collaboration and information sharing among regional sports stakeholders.

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Why don't we in Southeast Asia have a series of similar events? Hopefully, by 2027 or 2028, Indonesia, along with Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, can collaborate to organize an ASEAN regional marathon series.