Deputy Home Minister Encourages Central Java ALTI to Develop Trail Running to Boost Economy
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Bima Arya Sugiarto, inaugurated the board of the Indonesian Trail Running Association (ALTI) for the Central Java Province for the 2025-2029 term at Wisma Perdamaian, Semarang, on Tuesday (30/06).
Bima encouraged the newly appointed officials to strengthen the development of trail running while simultaneously positioning the sport as a catalyst for regional economic growth. In his address, Bima noted that the development of trail running in Indonesia is showing a positive trend. He observed that ALTI, which was still in its organisational building phase a few years ago, has now expanded rapidly in terms of both institutional capacity and competition management.
“This year, we have officially joined as a sporting branch under KONI (the National Sports Committee of Indonesia). God willing, we are preparing ourselves to participate in the 2028 National Sports Week (PON) in West Nusa Tenggara,” Bima stated in his remarks on Tuesday.
The General Chairperson of the ALTI Central Board explained that the increasing public interest in trail running must be balanced with athlete development and the organisation of high-quality events. Consequently, ALTI continues to strengthen its development systems, including coach certification and improving race standards, particularly regarding participant safety.
He noted that the phenomenon of rising participation in various trail running events should not merely be a passing trend. Organisers must also ensure medical readiness, track security, and effective coordination so that every event is conducted safely and professionally.
Beyond athlete development, Bima urged every regency and city in Central Java to establish signature trail running events. Given Central Java’s rich natural landscapes, he assessed that the potential for developing trail running events is immense.
He added that hosting trail running events impacts more than just the sporting sector; it can also stimulate the tourism sector, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and increase local original domestic revenue (PAD). The presence of participants from various regions is believed to revitalise the hospitality sector, local eateries, and various community-based businesses.
Furthermore, Bima emphasised the importance of building synergy with various stakeholders, including KONI, the Indonesian Community Sports Committee (KORMI), local governments, and other sporting communities. He stated that such collaboration is necessary to strengthen the trail running ecosystem and prepare athletes for national championships.
“Congratulations on your duties, congratulations on your work, and good luck. This is a very challenging and interesting world. It is not just a hobby or a sport; it has many intersections. We have the potential to contribute to the progress of our respective regions,” he messaged.
Also in attendance were the Central Java Regional Secretary, Sumarno, who is the elected General Chairperson of ALTI Central Java for the 2025-2029 term, the General Secretary of KONI Central Java, Budi Santoso, and other relevant officials.