Riau Bhayangkara Run 2026 Generates IDR 58.9 Billion Economic Impact
The Riau Bhayangkara Run 2026 not only succeeded in terms of its organisation but also delivered a tangible impact on the local economy. Based on an economic impact analysis conducted by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Riau Province, the event, which attracted 15,080 runners, generated a total economic effect of IDR 58.9 billion for the province.
This estimate stems from total participant spending of approximately IDR 42.5 billion, which was then analysed using the Input-Output Table approach to demonstrate a chain effect across various local economic sectors. Daniel Widya Mucharam, Chairman of the Riau Bhayangkara Run 2026 Committee and Karorena of the Riau Regional Police, stated that the analysis proves sport can provide benefits far beyond the competitive aspect. ‘Alhamdulillah, the entire series of the Riau Bhayangkara Run 2026 ran safely, orderly, and smoothly. Most proudly, this activity not only brought together thousands of runners from various regions in Indonesia and abroad but also provided a real economic impact for the community,’ he said on Wednesday (22/7/2026).
Daniel noted that this demonstrates how a sporting event can drive economic activity while strengthening Riau Province’s image as a sport tourism destination. The presence of thousands of participants along with their families and companions opened up business opportunities in various sectors, from hospitality, transportation, and culinary to trade and MSMEs. He added that the success was the result of collaboration from all parties, including the Riau Regional Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Riau Provincial Government, district and city governments, sponsors, running communities, volunteers, health workers, mass media, MSMEs, cleaning staff, and all stakeholders involved from the planning stage to the event’s execution.
Meanwhile, the Head of BPS Riau Province, Asep Riyadi, explained that the research was conducted to measure the direct economic impact of the Riau Bhayangkara Run 2026 on local economic activity. The study used a combined approach of a survey of 130 participant respondents, integrated with organiser data and analysed using the Riau Province Input-Output Table. Asep stated that participant spending not only benefited the event organiser sector but also flowed into various business fields such as transportation, hotels, restaurants, trade, processing industries, and other services. This shows that organising a sports event can create a multiplier effect on regional economic activity. The spending structure was dominated by sports equipment purchases, transport, consumption, accommodation, and souvenirs, with out-of-town participants contributing more significantly to local services and tourism.
Furthermore, the survey results showed that 95.4 percent of respondents believed the Riau Bhayangkara Run could boost the community’s economy, while 98 percent of participants expressed willingness to return for similar events. Event Director of Sumatera Satu Event Organizers, Rissandro Dian Pratama, said the economic impact was the fruit of planning oriented towards participant experience. ‘We did not just focus on race day, but built an event ecosystem capable of moving community activity. From race pack collection, MSME involvement, entertainment, to participant comfort while in Pekanbaru, everything was designed to provide the best experience,’ he said, adding that the BPS analysis proves a professionally managed sports event can deliver broader benefits than just a running competition.