At Amartha 10X Run, Erick: Running Events Can Drive Local Economies
JAKARTA – The proliferation of running events is seen as having a broader impact than merely encouraging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir said the staging of marathons and half marathons also has the potential to drive local economies, from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to the accommodation sector.
Erick conveyed this view on the sidelines of the Amartha 10X Run 2026 at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) complex in Jakarta on Sunday (7/9/2026). Thousands of runners took part in the 10-kilometre and half marathon categories.
Erick said the growing public interest in running should be seen as a long-term investment. Beyond its health benefits, sport can also play a role in shaping national character whilst stimulating economic activity.
“The running trend that is increasingly popular with the public is a long-term investment, not only for health but also for building the character of the nation and strengthening the economy,” Erick said.
According to Erick, Indonesia has great potential to increase public participation in sport. With its large young population, he believes sporting events can serve as a means of raising awareness of the importance of physical activity.
“With Indonesia’s demographics dominated by young people, reaching 125 million in the 13 to 30 age bracket, our current sports participation rate is still at 17.5 per cent,” Erick said.
He said running events such as marathons and half marathons also have an economic impact felt across various sectors. The movement of participants and visitors can open up opportunities for local businesses, including MSMEs, as well as supporting sectors such as accommodation.
“Through running events like marathons and half marathons, we can continue to promote sporting awareness whilst driving the local economy, from MSMEs to the accommodation sector,” Erick said.
The Amartha 10X Run 2026 carried the spirit of #WeGoBeyond, inviting participants to challenge themselves and push beyond their limits. Participants not only competed on the course but also enjoyed various activities prepared at the race village.
Amartha Financial Founder and CEO Andi Taufan said the spirit of going beyond limits is not confined to sport. A similar spirit, he said, is reflected in the journey of MSME players who continually strive to grow their businesses and improve their families’ lives.
“Through the Amartha 10X Run, we want to invite more people to experience the spirit of #WeGoBeyond. For us, going beyond limits is not just about running faster or further, but about the courage to keep moving and opening up new opportunities,” Andi said.
According to Andi, Amartha has spent 16 years accompanying millions of MSME players across rural Indonesia. He said most of these entrepreneurs continue to develop their businesses to improve their families’ welfare.
“This spirit is very close to Amartha’s 16-year journey, alongside more than 4 million MSMEs we have served in more than 50,000 villages across Indonesia. Every day, these women entrepreneurs keep taking steps to grow their businesses and build better lives for their families,” Andi said.
Along the route, participants of the Amartha 10X Run were greeted by a number of water stations. After crossing the finish line, participants could take part in various activities at the race village, which carried a rural theme.
The area also featured the Amartha Market, providing a space for a number of partner MSMEs to introduce their products to participants and visitors. Participants could also interact with MSME entrepreneurs and learn about working capital funding services through Amartha Prosper.
Andi said the Amartha 10X Run was designed not merely as a race to be completed. The event, he said, is expected to provide a broader experience for participants whilst carrying the spirit of continuous growth.
“The Amartha 10X Run 2026 is not just about finishing a race, but about creating a meaningful experience for every participant. We hope that what they feel from the start line, along the course, and at the race village becomes a memorable experience that carries the spirit to keep stepping further,” Andi said.