Yogyakarta – Jakartaweekly.com. Bank Mandiri is set to host the Mandiri Jogja Marathon (MJM) 2026 on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in the Prambanan Temple area, Yogyakarta. Carrying the theme “More Than a Race,” Bank Mandiri’s flagship sport tourism event blends international-standard running competitions with tourism experiences, cultural celebrations, social impact, and a journey through Yogyakarta into a single, integrated series of activities.
MJM 2026 will see the participation of 10,200 runners from 17 countries, making it the largest turnout since the event’s inception in 2017. The race features four categories: Marathon (42.195 kilometers), Half Marathon (21.097 kilometers), 10K, and a 5K Fun Run, all on routes certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). Every participant will receive a race pack containing a BIB number, jersey, and finisher medal, while Half Marathon and Marathon participants will receive an additional finisher tee.
The theme “More Than a Race” is translated into four core expressions: an iconic running experience (Experience), cultural celebrations (Celebration), a tourism journey to Yogyakarta (Trip to Jogja), and social and economic impact (Impact). These four pillars are intertwined to build public awareness, enthusiasm, and participation throughout the event week.
Bank Mandiri Corporate Secretary, Adhika Vista, emphasized that MJM 2026 serves as a platform to strengthen the grassroots economic ecosystem while providing added value to local communities and regional economies. As a strategic partner of the government, the golden-ribbon-logoed bank positions MJM as a national model for sport tourism that delivers social, cultural, and economic value simultaneously.
“MJM is a form of integrated synergy between Bank Mandiri, communities, MSMEs, and local governments. We want every step taken by the runners to have a tangible impact on the environment and society, so that MJM truly delivers on being ‘More Than a Race,'” Adhika stated during the MJM 2026 Press Conference in Yogyakarta on Thursday (June 18).
The Head of the Yogyakarta Tourism Office, Imam Pratanadi, assessed that MJM solidifies Yogyakarta’s position as a premier sport tourism destination in Southeast Asia. According to him, the event drives tourist arrivals, extends their length of stay, and stimulates local economic circulation.
“MJM proves that sports, culture, and tourism can work in synergy to move the regional economy. Yogyakarta benefits from spikes in hotel occupancy, culinary sales, and transportation services every time this event is held,” Imam said.
Based on research by the Mandiri Institute, the implementation of MJM has consistently proven to boost public purchasing power for three consecutive years. During the MJM 2025 event, for instance, spending growth in the Special Region of Yogyakarta during the event week was recorded at 11.6 percent week-on-week (WoW), far surpassing the normal average weekly growth of 0.8 percent. On a monthly basis, Yogyakarta recorded a 7 percent spending growth during the month MJM was held, the highest among all monitored provinces and three times the average of a regular month.
This increase flowed directly into the tourism sector and its derivatives. According to the 2025 MJM research findings, the transportation sector recorded a growth of 21.9 percent, restaurants and culinary grew by 10.1 percent, hospitality increased by 6.4 percent, and travel spending rose by 5.6 percent during last year’s event week. This realization reinforces MJM’s position as a consistent driver of Yogyakarta’s tourism economy.
The record participation of runners in MJM 2026 serves as a strong signal that the economic impact generated this year will be even greater. This benefits not only the tourism and hospitality sectors but also ripples down to the grassroots economy, including local vendors, MSME actors, transportation providers, and communities around the race track who directly experience the benefits of the event.
On the same occasion, the Race Director of MJM 2026 from iSport, Pandu Bagus Buntaran, explained that the track is designed to pass through Yogyakarta’s signature cultural landscapes, including Plaosan Temple, the Taruna Monument, and several traditional villages. This year’s finisher medal design features Panggung Krapyak, one of the landmarks of the Philosophical Axis of Yogyakarta, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023.
“Every kilometer in MJM 2026 is a journey along the Philosophical Axis, an imaginary line stretching from Panggung Krapyak, the Yogyakarta Palace (Keraton), to the Tugu Pal Putih monument. Runners are not just covering distance; they are stepping through the narrative of Yogyakarta’s civilization,” Pandu remarked.
In line with the commitment to provide a safe and comfortable running experience, Bank Mandiri has also collaborated with PT AXA Mandiri Financial Services (AXA Mandiri) to provide personal accident insurance protection for all MJM 2026 participants. Through this collaboration, approximately 10,200 participants receive protection benefits with a total sum assured reaching IDR 100 billion, including daily allowance benefits in the event of an accident during the race.
This initiative is part of Bank Mandiri’s efforts to ensure that every participant can join MJM 2026 with a sense of security, while reinforcing the quality of an international-standard sport tourism event that prioritizes participant safety and comfort.
Furthermore, Adhika shared that in line with the “More Than a Race” spirit, Bank Mandiri is also presenting various special programs to complement the experience of runners and the public while in Yogyakarta. Existing and prospective Bank Mandiri customers can enjoy discounts of up to 50 percent along with an additional 30 Livin’points during the period of June 1–30, 2026.
These various promotional offers can be utilized at more than 1,000 merchants spread across the Yogyakarta area, including those at transit points like airports and stations, as well as several iconic destinations and culinary hubs. The introduction of this program is expected to further strengthen the sport tourism ecosystem that grows alongside business operators and the community in Yogyakarta.
Astri Abyanti, Corporate Communications of Visa Indonesia, added that as the transaction partner for MJM 2026, Visa is also presenting various special programs and offers for participants and visitors. These range from fast-track access for Race Pack Collection for Mandiri Visa debit and credit cardholders to an exclusive experience at the Visa Lounge. The lounge offers various activities such as post-run wellness and recovery, refreshments, and a photo booth, all accessible simply by tapping a Mandiri Visa card. This initiative supports the development of sport tourism by encouraging local community involvement and enriching the experience of runners and visitors while in Yogyakarta.
“Events like the Mandiri Jogja Marathon demonstrate how sport tourism not only attracts visits but also creates a broader economic turnover at the local level, from MSMEs to the tourism sector,” Astri said.
“Here, Visa’s role is to ensure that every interaction can take place seamlessly, securely, and connectedly, while strengthening the payment ecosystem that supports regional economic growth. This aligns with our focus on the sports passion pillar to deliver experiences that are both relevant and impactful,” she added.