Jakarta, June 21 -- Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir said running events that combine sports and cultural tourism can strengthen sports tourism and help drive regional economic growth in Indonesia.

Speaking at the opening of the Mandiri Jogja Marathon 2026 at Prambanan Temple on Sunday, Thohir said sports tourism can help improve the profile of regional tourist destinations.

"The Mandiri Jogja Marathon is very positive because Yogyakarta is one of Indonesia's tourism centers. It ranks fourth for international tourist arrivals, while Bali remains first," he said.

Thohir said sports tourism should be promoted alongside tourism based on culture and natural attractions.

He praised the Mandiri Jogja Marathon, which is being held for ...