The Expected Domino Effect From The Borobudur Marathon

Photo via Central Java Provincial Government

JAKARTA - The Borobudur Marathon 2022 event was able to bring up the economy of the local community. The Borobudur Marathon was also able to become the locomotive of tourism, especially MSME actors.

The chairman of the Kampung Homestay Borobudur Association, Muslih, said that the Borobudur Marathon had a very significant impact on homestay managers, especially those around Borobudur Temple. The figure of increase is much higher than the usual day which is only 35-40 percent.

"Until now, the occupancy of the homestay is 80 percent. Thank God, because during the post-pandemic we experienced a crowded period if there was an event at the Borobudur Temple complex," explained Muslih, Sunday, November 13.

He added that in his area there are 30 homestays managed by the community, with more than 140 rooms. One homestay unit can recruit two to three employees.

"The average tourist comes from Jabodetabek and East Java. Not only homestays, but also increases are experienced by MSME actors," he added.

From the success of the Borobudur Marathon, Muslih really appreciated Ganjar Pranowo, who was able to bring the tourism and economic sectors to increase.

Mr. Ganjar pays attention to MSMEs. We are proud to have a governor who is very concerned about the MSME sector. One of them is with an event like this which was initiated by Central Java Province. We hope that in the future there will be many similar events," he explained.

Puput Setyo, owner of the Borobudur circle, also felt positively from the Borobudur Marathon event. On the first day, until 10:00 WIB, there were more than 200 visitors at the MSME location they managed.

The effect of the Borobudur Marathon has had a huge impact on increasing visits. Yes, 30-40 percent of the usual. One day there are more than 200 (people). From Bandung, Jakarta, East Java, sometimes there are outside the island," he explained.

"Alhamdulillah (Pak Ganjar) is very supportive here. Since being visited by Pak Ganjar, tourists who have come here have increased. Plus, he was promoted in Lapak Ganjar," he said.

He hopes that the event that has been initiated by the governor can continue to be carried out in the future.

"Hopefully the program from Pak Ganjar that has been running will continue," he added.

Meanwhile, Meri, a souvenir seller, said she was happy with the prestigious event. Because, it can bring in tourists and increase sales.

"Wow, I'm very happy because visitors are increasing, and sales are also increasing," he said.

According to him, the Governor of Central Java for the two periods was very close to the residents of Borobudur.

Mr. Ganjar is close to the people here. He often comes here," he said.

For information, there are three categories in the main Borobudur Marathon 2022 competition, namely the Borobudur Marathon Elite Race and Bank Jateng Young Talent which will be held on November 12, and Bank Jateng Tilik Candi on November 13.

The Borobudur Marathon Elite Race with a running distance of 42.195 kilometers was only followed by national elite runners who passed the selection. This year, as many as 37 national athletes consisting of 26 male athletes and 11 female athletes participated in the event.

Meanwhile, the Young Talent category, which is a 10-kilometer running competition, is a place for young talents aged 1518 years to measure and hone their abilities. A total of 30 young runners will compete in this event. This Young Talent category is a new category that is an important forum for long-distance athlete regeneration.

For the Tilik Candi category which covers a distance of 21,097 kilometers, it is followed by general runners with a ballistic system. A total of 4,552 runners took part in this event.