Mandiri Jogja Marathon Draws 10,200 Runners, MSMEs Reap Profits

The annual Mandiri Jogja Marathon (MJM) 2026 was not only a sporting celebration but also a driver of the local economy in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The event, held in the Prambanan Temple area on Sunday (21/6/2026), was attended by 10,200 runners from 17 countries, making it the largest edition since it was first held in 2017. The large number of participants boosted economic activity in the tourism, hospitality, transport, culinary, and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sectors involved throughout the series of events. Bank Mandiri Corporate Secretary Adhika Vista stated that the Mandiri Jogja Marathon has now grown into more than just a sporting event. According to him, the event serves as a platform for collaboration among various parties to create a broader economic impact. “MJM is a manifestation of integrated synergy between Bank Mandiri, communities, MSME players, and the local government. We want every step the runners take to have a real impact on the environment and society, so that MJM truly embodies ‘More Than a Race’,” Adhika said in a statement on Sunday (21/6/2026). In terms of the local economy, Bank Mandiri strengthened MSME empowerment through various mentoring programmes and digital financial literacy. This effort aimed to encourage increased business capacity while expanding the adoption of digital transactions among business operators around the event location. At the Race Village in the Prambanan Temple area, Bank Mandiri presented the Mandiri LAKU LOKAL (mLaku Lokal) programme involving 27 local brands and 70 MSME tenants. The presence of these business operators served as a means of promotion while opening up opportunities for increased sales during the event. The company also held an MSME Festival involving around 60 MSME operators around the Prambanan Temple area. Business capacity strengthening was also carried out through the Pasar Ngasem MSME Literacy programme. The economic contribution of this event was also supported by the high number of international and domestic participants coming to Yogyakarta. The presence of thousands of runners and their companions is estimated to have boosted hotel occupancy rates, culinary sector consumption, and tourism activities at various destinations around Prambanan. In addition to the economic impact, Bank Mandiri also placed sustainability aspects as an important part of the MJM 2026 event. The company integrated a carbon emission reduction programme through the Livin’ Planet feature, zero waste to landfill area management, the use of race packs made from upcycled materials, and a clothing recycling campaign. In the social sector, Bank Mandiri ran various social and environmental responsibility programmes under the theme “Melangkah Bersama, Membangun Jogja” (Stepping Together, Building Jogja). The programme included health services for 1,650 Abdi Dalem at Puro Pakualaman, Puralaya Imogiri, and the Ngayogyakarta Palace, mass circumcision for 280 children, and village infrastructure improvements in 28 villages along the race route. The company also distributed 2,800 basic food packages and supported cultural preservation through the digitisation of ancient manuscripts from the Widyapustaka Pakualaman collection. According to Adhika, the approach combining sports, culture, tourism, economic empowerment, and sustainability is the distinguishing value of the Mandiri Jogja Marathon compared to other running events. “Through the Mandiri Jogja Marathon, we want to present a celebration that is not only enjoyed by the runners but is also able to create added value for the community, the environment, and the regional economy in a sustainable manner,” he said. Besides being a sport tourism event, MJM 2026 was also used by Bank Mandiri as a stage to introduce a number of digital service innovations. Some of the products introduced included Livin’ Next-G for the younger generation, Livin’ Kredit Back to Back Obligasi, and a gold financing feature through KSM Emas on the Livin’ Gold service. This move is part of Bank Mandiri’s strategy to expand the digital financial services ecosystem while encouraging financial inclusion across various segments of society. “Through the spirit of More Than a Race, we want to ensure that the Mandiri Jogja Marathon leaves a memorable experience, while providing broader benefits through strengthening the ecosystem and various solutions that can support the evolving needs of the community,” concluded Adhika.