Makassar Half Marathon 2026: 5G, Live Streaming and Sport Tourism Boost Eastern Indonesia's Economy

This year’s Lebaran isn’t only celebrated by Muslims. Instead, 12,000 runners from across Indonesia marked the ‘runners’ Lebaran’ at the Telkomsel Makassar Half Marathon 2026 held on 30-31 May. The event, expected to attract 15,000 to 20,000 visitors, has become the largest economic and sport tourism catalyst in Eastern Indonesia, far beyond just a race.

Over 50% of participants came from outside Makassar, including 100 runners from Papua. ‘We’re glad we don’t have to travel all the way to Java for a national-level event,’ said a participant from Jayapura. This enthusiasm confirms Makassar’s growing reputation as a prestigious running destination.

Mayor Munafri Arifuddin, who ran in the 21K category, acknowledged the event’s significant impact. ‘Makassar’s hotels were fully booked three days before the event. Local businesses, food centres, souvenirs, and transport all benefited,’ he said. The city government aims to elevate the event to international standards.

Behind the excitement, Telkomsel drove the digital ecosystem. For the first time in Makassar, the 10K and half-marathon races were live-streamed via MaxStream using four 5G-enabled mobile cameras capturing real-time action from start to finish, including water stations and the finish line. ‘This technology allows seamless visual monitoring of top runners,’ said Telkomsel’s Sulawesi Region Mobile Consumer Business General Manager, Andrew S.T. Mamahit.

At booth areas, visitors could redeem Telkomsel Points, experience a 5G Robot, register for the AyoLari feature on MyTelkomsel, and enjoy special data packages: 5GB for Rp10, 31GB for Rp50,000, and 50GB for Rp100,000 for SIMPATI customers. IndiHome installation fee waivers were also available. Telkomsel added 12 IndiHome points to ensure smooth connectivity at race pack collection and VIP venues.

Telkomsel’s Vice President of Consumer Business for Pamasuka Area, Muharlis, affirmed the company’s commitment: ‘We aim to provide added-value digital experiences while supporting local economic growth.’ With 267 operational 5G sites in Makassar, Vice President of Area Network Operations, Anky Arief Priyagung, ensured network capacity optimisation around the venue for seamless digital transactions, communication, and entertainment.

The Makassar Half Marathon 2026 is officially certified by PASI, enhancing its credibility. Under the ‘Melayani Sepenuh Hati’ spirit marking Telkomsel’s 31st anniversary, the event serves as both a tribute to loyal customers and a driver of sport tourism. Mayor Munafri is optimistic that this spectacular event proves running is not just a sport, but a digital and economic celebration reaching across Eastern Indonesia.