One recent example, she said, is the Pocari Sweat Run 2025 held at the Mandalika Circuit in Central Lombok District, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province on Sunday.
"This is an extraordinary event. Within two days, hotels are full, flights are packed, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are mobilizing. It is a great momentum to boost tourism and invigorate NTB's economy," she said in the ministry's press statement.
After flagging off the 10K category of the Pocari Sweat Run Lombok 2025, Minister Wardhana revealed that around nine thousand runners from across Indonesia participated in the event.
The running competition featured routes through Mandalika's natural scenes and culturally rich villages.
"This is a great event and should be held annually," she added, expressing hope that it becomes an annual event.
The Pocari Sweat Run Lombok 2025 offered four race categories: a 4.3-kilometer loop around the Mandalika International Circuit, a 10K, a 21K half marathon, and a full 42K marathon.
After 12 years of being held in other regions, this marks the first time the Pocari Sweat Run was hosted in Mandalika, with a new focus on sport tourism.
State tourism holding InJourney President Director Maya Watono commented that while the Mandalika Circuit is known for motorsports, using it for a running event aligns with its "sportainment" core.
"The economic chain is becoming more vibrant, and we know that this event serves as a catalyst for regional economic growth and, of course, tourism. Hopefully, this will become an annual, and even international, so we can attract more foreign tourists," Watono hoped.
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Translator: Pamela, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
