Governor Gusnar Discusses Gorontalo Half Marathon With Investment Ministry Secretary
Gorontalo – The Gorontalo Half Marathon (GHM) has been prioritised by Gorontalo Governor Gusnar Ismail. The running event, which was originally initiated by Acting Governor Rudy Salahuddin, has been established as an annual routine activity aimed at boosting tourist arrivals.
Last year, the GHM became controversial following disputes over finisher medals bearing only Governor Gusnar Ismail’s name, excluding Vice Governor Idah Syahidah, and difficulties obtaining location permits from Gorontalo City Government. The 2025 GHM controversy led to the suspension of Daniel Ibrahim from his position as Head of Youth and Sports Department of Gorontalo Province.
The Gorontalo Provincial Government is now preparing for the event well in advance. To ensure its success, Governor Gusnar Ismail led a provincial delegation to meet with former Acting Governor Rudy Salahuddin, who now serves as Secretary of the Investment and Downstream Industries Ministry/BKPM, at his office in Jakarta on Saturday, 7 March.
According to the Gorontalo Provincial Government’s official website, Governor Gusnar outlined the 2025 GHM implementation plan. The provincial government has directed that the GHM no longer be funded solely by the regional government, but instead involve the private sector.
“We hope the Investment and Downstream Industries Ministry/BKPM can help facilitate private sector parties who can collaborate in organising the Gorontalo Half Marathon,” Gusnar stated.
In response, Rudy Salahuddin noted that the GHM has significant potential to become a national-scale sporting event in Gorontalo Province. He expressed his readiness to facilitate private sector sponsorship support. “Seeing the continuously growing enthusiasm of participants, the GHM should become a benchmark national event in Gorontalo Province,” Rudy said.
He also recommended that the regional government prepare various tourism-supporting activities timed close to the GHM. This would ensure the event serves not only as a sporting occasion, but also promotes regional tourism and economic activity.
Beyond the GHM discussion, Gusnar also reported that Gorontalo Provincial Government had signed a memorandum of understanding with ID FOOD in Jakarta on 5 March 2026. This cooperation represents a continuation of the establishment of an integrated chicken industry zone in North Gorontalo Regency as part of Gorontalo Province’s integrated chicken industry downstream programme.
The meeting also discussed further cooperation opportunities that could be facilitated by the Investment and Downstream Industries Ministry/BKPM. This cooperation includes sister city development programmes, UMKM promotion, and educational support for Gorontalo students studying in Morocco.
Governor Gusnar was accompanied by Regional Secretary Sofian Ibrahim and the Head of Youth and Sports Department with their staff. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, given that Rudy Salahuddin previously served as Acting Governor of Gorontalo.