Through Merapi Merbabu de Trail, East Java Province Promotes Sports Tourism and Environmental Sustainability

The Shiro Copr BOYOLALI - Mount Merapi and Merbabu in Central Java are not only favorite destinations for hikers, but have now become an extreme sports arena favored by runners from various countries.

Through the Merapi Merbabu de Trail 2025 event, approximately 700 runners from various regions of the country and abroad participated in an international running competition through the Selo climbing path, National Park Gunung Merbabu (TNGM), Boyolali Regency on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

In this event, the committee provides 5K, 10K, and 20K distance categories. Participants not only swing their steps step by step to cross the finish line, but also enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the Gunung Merapi and Merbabu Biosphere Reserve.

Participants are also invited to run through extreme trails, testing their physical strength while enjoying the beauty of Indonesia's captivating landscapes.

The Secretary of the Province of Central Java, Sumarno said that through this event, the Provincial Government of Central Java uses it to promote sports tourism and environmental sustainability.

According to him, nature-based sports tourism is not only able to bring in economic turnover, but also conveys a message of environmental sustainability.

"This becomes an important note, how to love the environment, the mountains, and nature tourism," he said after participating in the activity.

She hopes that this event can be held again in the future on a larger scale. Because it is considered effective in promoting a sense of concern for environmental sustainability.

"Because this mountain is also a water catchment area. If the water balance has problems, then the needs for irrigation, raw water, and drinking water will certainly decrease. Damages must of course be avoided so that nature is preserved and sustained," he said.

One of the participants from Karawang Regency, West Java, Ridwan Maulana (26) said he was impressed by the diversity of natural tourism in Central Java. He was interested in joining this event to experience a new sensation. This is his first time participating in a trail running competition.

"Usually I come here alone. I am indeed a mountain climber in Central Java, such as Merapi, Sindoro, Sumbing, Slamet, and Lawu," he said.

Senada, a participant based in Yogyakarta, Budiawan Dwi (27) said that there is a unique sensation in participating in the event on the mountain climbing route of Mount Merbabu. Because, there must be a specific tactic, training, and thorough preparation.

"I took the 10K. For me, this is a challenging route," he said. ***