Overview

POCARI SWEAT announced today (22 January) the return of POCARI SWEAT Run for its 13th edition, a hybrid running festival spanning two iconic Indonesian destinations: Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara) and Bandung (West Java). The dual-city format is designed to accelerate the growth of national sport tourism, aligning with programs from Indonesia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Tourism.

Government Support and Vision

Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, underscored the urgency of getting Indonesians moving, noting that only about 15% of the population actively exercises. He expressed hope that large-scale initiatives like POCARI SWEAT Run can inspire healthier lifestyles while mobilizing runners from Aceh to Papua. The government, he added, is advancing a robust calendar of sport-tourism events to stimulate the economy and fully supports private-sector collaboration to maximize positive impact.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, highlighted the event as a living example of sustainable sport tourism. By connecting private organizers with flagship destinations such as Lombok and Bandung, the race aims to attract both domestic and international runners while driving tangible economic benefits for local communities.

Two Marquee Weekends

• POCARI SWEAT Run Lombok 2026: 11–12 July at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, featuring four distances—one 4.3K circuit loop, 10K, Half-Marathon, and Marathon. July conditions in Lombok are expected to be more comfortable for runners, with sunrise and sunset race experiences blending the challenge of a world-class track and the island’s landscapes and Sasak culture.
• POCARI SWEAT Run Bandung 2026: 19–20 September, focused on 10K and Half-Marathon, starting and finishing in the City of Bandung. The route will showcase the city’s iconic landmarks and creative urban character, coinciding with Bandung’s Anniversary celebrations.

A Decade of Growth

Over the past 12 years, POCARI SWEAT Run has expanded from 5,000 participants in 2014 to a total of 55,435 runners in 2025. Puspita Winawati (Wina), Marketing Director at PT Amerta Indah Otsuka, affirmed the company’s commitment to helping more people live healthier lives through sport. She noted a scheduling refinement in 2026—opening in Mandalika to take advantage of milder weather and closing in Bandung as part of the city’s anniversary festivities.

Cultural Energy and Community Spirit

The Lombok edition promises warm local hospitality, cultural expressions from the Sasak community, and a striking mix of circuit racing and natural backdrops. In Bandung, participants will feel the pulse of a dynamic, creative capital, supported by residents and local running communities along the course.

Raffi Ahmad, Special Presidential Envoy for Youth Development and Creative Workers, emphasized the power of creative collaboration. He observed the strong presence of young runners in both Lombok and Bandung and encouraged participants to promote local culture and urban beauty through social media—an energetic way for youth to celebrate Indonesia and inspire others.

Destinations, Events, and Economic Impact

Maya Watono, President Director of InJourney—the state-owned aviation and tourism holding company—called events and attractions vital catalysts for destination development. Large-scale races like POCARI SWEAT Run Lombok, she said, generate real multiplier effects, from increased tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy to transport demand and local spending. By merging an iconic circuit with Lombok’s nature and culture, Mandalika continues to cement its position as a premier sportainment destination and strengthen Indonesia’s nation branding.

Sponsorship and Partnerships

SMBC Indonesia, through Jenius, returns as co-title sponsor for the next three years. Andrie Darusman, Communications & Daya Head at SMBC Indonesia, said the collaboration reflects a shared vision to help runners achieve their goals—on the road and in personal finance—through dedication, patience, and commitment. The partnership will bring a series of #LariBarengJenius programs under the banner of #BersamaLebihBermakna.

Other supporting partners include Indonesia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports; the Ministry of Tourism; the Provincial Governments of West Nusa Tenggara and West Java; the City of Bandung; the Central Lombok Regency; and sponsors such as InJourney, RANS, Blibli, Salonpas Let’s Move, Bluebird, MGPA (Mandalika Grand Prix Association), Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), SOYJOY, and ORONAMIN C.

Registration

Registration opens soon: Lombok on 26 January and Bandung on 2 February. For updates, follow @pocarisportid on Instagram.

Writer: Aditya Wardhana & SiderAI