Private Funding Drives the Gorontalo Half Marathon's Success and Tourism Promotion
Governor Gusnar Ismail announced that Gorontalo Half Marathon (GHM) 2026 will be funded by the private sector, with full support from the Ministry of Investment and Hilirisasi/BKPM, to advance sport and tourism in the region. The plan marks a significant shift in the approach to funding major sporting events in Gorontalo Province. The governor made the remark after a discussion with the Secretary of the Ministry and the Chief Secretary to the Ministry of Investment and Hilirisasi/BKPM, Muhammad Rudy Salahuddin. The aim is to reduce the budget burden on local government while opening broader opportunities for collaboration with the private sector.
The meeting concluded that the event has great potential to become a national-scale sports agenda. Salahuddin stated his readiness to facilitate sponsorship from various private entities. This step is expected not only to ensure the continuity of GHM but also to improve the quality and reach of the event.
In addition to funding, GHM is projected to be a vital instrument for promoting tourism and stimulating the local economy. With rising participant enthusiasm, GHM is expected to become a barometer for national activities in Gorontalo. The local government is encouraged to prepare a range of tourism-supporting activities aligned with GHM’s schedule.
Private Funding for Gorontalo Half Marathon
Gubernatorial directive: The 2026 Gorontalo Half Marathon will be funded by the private sector rather than being funded entirely by the local government. This directive followed a key meeting with Muhammad Rudy Salahuddin of the Ministry of Investment and Hilirisasi/BKPM in Gorontalo, aimed at creating event autonomy and attracting investment from the private sector.
BKPM involvement is expected to facilitate cooperation with private companies interested in supporting GHM. Salahuddin welcomed the initiative, seeing the significant potential of GHM as a growing sporting event. Support from the ministry will be crucial in attracting sponsors and strategic partners.
This shift in the funding model reflects the provincial government’s efforts to optimise resources and encourage active participation from the business community. Accordingly, GHM becomes not merely a sporting event but a platform to demonstrate investment and collaboration potential in Gorontalo, with the aim of generating a multiplier effect for the local economy.
GHM as a National Barometer and Tourism Promotion
Salahuddin believes Gorontalo Half Marathon has great potential to develop into a national-scale sporting agenda in Gorontalo Province. The growing participant enthusiasm is a strong indicator that GHM can become an important barometer for similar activities at the national level. This shows that GHM is not simply a running event but a platform with wider impact.
In addition to competition, Salahuddin advised the Gorontalo regional government to prepare a range of tourism-supporting activities timed to coincide with GHM. Integrating sport and tourism is expected to attract more visitors, making GHM a magnet for tourists from both within and outside the region.
Through this integrated approach, GHM is expected to boost regional tourism and spur local economic activity. Increased tourist visits will positively impact hotels, dining, crafts, and Gorontalo’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In short, GHM will contribute significantly to sustainable economic development.
Other Collaborations in Gorontalo Province
In addition to GHM, Governor Gusnar Ismail reported other strategic collaborations undertaken by the Gorontalo Provincial Government. One is the signing of a memorandum of understanding with ID FOOD in Jakarta on 5 March 2026. This collaboration realises a continuation of a poultry industry industrial zone initiative in North Gorontalo Regency.
The collaboration with ID FOOD forms part of an integrated poultry industry downstream programme in Gorontalo, aimed at increasing the value addition of local agricultural products. The meeting with the Ministry of Investment and Hilirisasi/BKPM also discussed opportunities for further collaboration that the ministry could facilitate.
Potential broader collaborations include:
Development of sister city programmes to strengthen inter-regional or international relations.
Promotion of Gorontalo’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) to broaden the markets for local products.
Support for study opportunities for Gorontalo students to Morocco, opening up international education opportunities.
These initiatives demonstrate the Gorontalo Provincial Government’s commitment to building strategic partnerships for regional advancement across sectors.