Deputy Home Minister Encourages Central Java ALTI to Develop Trail Running to Boost Economy

Deputy Home Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto inaugurated the board of the Indonesian Trail Running Association (ALTI) for Central Java Province for the 2025-2029 term at Wisma Perdamaian in Semarang on Tuesday. Bima encouraged the newly appointed board to strengthen the development of trail running while making it a driver of regional economic growth. In his remarks, Bima noted that the development of trail running in Indonesia is showing an increasingly positive trend. He said ALTI, which a few years ago was still in the organisational building stage, has now grown rapidly, both institutionally and in terms of competition organisation. “This year it officially joined as a sport under KONI (Indonesian National Sports Committee). And God willing, we are preparing to participate in the PON (National Games) in NTB (West Nusa Tenggara) 2028,” Bima stated. The General Chairman of ALTI’s Central Board explained that the rising public interest in trail running must be matched with athlete development and quality event organisation. Therefore, ALTI continues to strengthen its coaching system, including through coach certification and improving race organisation standards, including participant safety aspects. He said the phenomenon of increasing participant numbers in various trail running events should not become a mere passing trend. Organisers must also ensure medical readiness, route security, and good coordination so that every event runs safely and professionally. Beyond coaching, Bima encouraged every district and city in Central Java to have a trail running event that becomes a hallmark of their respective regions. With Central Java’s rich natural landscapes, he assessed the potential for developing trail running events as very significant. He added that organising trail running events not only impacts the sports sector but can also drive the tourism sector, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and even increase locally-generated revenue (PAD). The presence of participants from various regions is also believed to boost the accommodation sector, food stalls, and various local community businesses. Bima also reminded of the importance of building synergy with various stakeholders, including KONI, the Indonesian Community Sports Committee (KORMI), regional governments, and other sports communities. He said this collaboration is necessary to strengthen the trail running sports ecosystem while preparing athletes for various national championships. “Congratulations on your duty, congratulations on working, congratulations on striving. This is a very challenging and interesting world. Not just a hobby, not just a sport, but its intersections are many. We have the potential to contribute to the progress of our respective regions,” he advised.