Yogyakarta, June 30, 2024 – The annual sport tourism event by Bank Mandiri, titled Mandiri Jogja Marathon (MJM) 2024, successfully crowned new champions. In one of the most anticipated events for the running community across Indonesia, Kenyan athletes once again dominated the podium in the most prestigious category.

In the Open Male Marathon category, the podium was occupied by three Kenyan runners: George Nyamori Onyancha, followed by James Cherutich Tallam, and Kennedy Lilan in third place. Meanwhile, in the Open Female Marathon category, three Kenyan female runners were the fastest: Sheila Jepkosgei Chesang in first place, Eunice Nyawira Muchiri in the runners-up position, and Shauline Chepkirui Koech in third place.

In the Closed Male Marathon category, elite Indonesian runner Betmen Manurung took first place, followed by Beni Ardinata in second place. The third place in the Closed Male Marathon was secured by Hamdan Syafril Sayuti. For the Closed Female Marathon category, Sharfina Sheila Rosada was recorded as the fastest runner, followed by Krisentia Hoess and Melti Pakinja in second and third places, respectively.

Bigger than the previous year, MJM 2024 awarded a cash prize of IDR 100 million for the winner of the Full Marathon Open category and IDR 50 million for the Full Marathon Closed category. Choosing the start and finish locations in the Prambanan Temple area, MJM 2024 presented routes that showcased the natural beauty and cultural richness of the local area, passing through dozens of villages and major tourist attractions in Yogyakarta such as Prambanan Temple, Plaosan Temple, and Taruna Monument.

Bank Mandiri President Director Darmawan Junaidi hoped that more than 8,000 runners from domestic and international participants in MJM 2024 could enjoy and promote the natural beauty and cultural richness of Yogyakarta, both on a national and international scale.

"Held in a cultural city, this Marathon event is expected to support cultural wealth up to the international level, thereby boosting tourism in Yogyakarta and Indonesia. We will continue to strive to improve the quality of the Mandiri Jogja Marathon so that more runners participate and visit Yogyakarta, and it becomes a catalyst for similar events in Indonesia," explained Darmawan in Yogyakarta, Sunday (30/6).

Darmawan also expressed his happiness over the high enthusiasm of MJM 2024 participants. According to him, this shows that running has become one of the main choices for Indonesians in pursuing hobbies and a healthy lifestyle amid daily activities, evidenced by the increasing number of running communities in Indonesia.

This year, the Provincial Government of D.I. Yogyakarta and Bank Mandiri collaborated to highlight and promote cultural wealth and local products, to spur the development of tourism and economic growth in Yogyakarta. One way to do this is by involving many local communities, from artists to MSMEs. Thus, the arts and local traditions of Yogyakarta can be more widely recognized by runners, their families, and other supporters.

Furthermore, Darmawan emphasized that Bank Mandiri is committed to continuously supporting the lifestyle of the Indonesian people to improve the quality of life and develop tourism, financial inclusion, and the overall economy of Indonesia.

In MJM 2024, Bank Mandiri engaged dozens of local MSMEs to market their products in the event's booth area. All shopping transactions used non-cash payment tools from Bank Mandiri, including QRIS Livin’ by Mandiri, debit cards, credit cards, and Mandiri e-Money.

The non-cash transaction scheme offered through various channels from Bank Mandiri, Darmawan continued, is also part of the company's efforts to drive financial inclusion in line with the Indonesian Government's less cash society program.

Consistency in Supporting Sustainability

As part of the Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program, Bank Mandiri held various environmental care initiatives. Through the program titled "Mandiri Clean Action," Bank Mandiri collaborated with the community, local groups, and Mandiri employees to conduct clean-up activities in 8 villages along the MJM 2024 route.

"MJM now applies the zero waste to landfill concept by collaborating with Rekosistem, a waste management company, to recycle and sort organic and non-organic waste," said Bank Mandiri Corporate Secretary, Teuku Ali Usman.

To support carbon emission reduction, Bank Mandiri provided the Future Energy Box, a platform consisting of a Refreshment Area, Green Energy Zone, and Education Center aimed at raising awareness and encouraging people to save energy.

In the main MJM area or Race Village, Bank Mandiri also provided 4 units of solar charging stations for participants' and visitors' smartphones. This series of initiatives is believed to have a positive impact on the environment and support carbon emission reduction in Indonesia.

"We invite the entire community, especially the participants of the Mandiri Jogja Marathon 2024, to jointly maintain environmental cleanliness and make this activity a good and positive example in the future," concluded Ali.