The event features four categories: Marathon (42.195 km), Half Marathon (21 km), as well as the 10 km and 5 km Fun Runs. All of the categories will take place in the heart of Yogyakarta’s Prambanan tourist area on June 18. First run in 2017, the MJM is a manifestation of Bank Mandiri's commitment to introducing the uniqueness and diversity of tourism in Indonesia, especially in Yogyakarta. Moreover this annual event also aims to instill a healthy lifestyle among the people of Yogyakarta and serve as a platform for the company to support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

As an event that implements a zero-waste-to-landfill policy, Bank Mandiri is collaborating with waste management entities and companies to sort and recycle organic and non-organic waste used during the event, aiming to provide positive environmental benefits. This initiative is designed to demonstrate Bank Mandiri's consistency in reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable growth.

Additionally, Ricky Andriano, vice president of corporate communication at Bank Mandiri, explained that, as in previous years, Bank Mandiri is also collaborating with the administration of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) to promote cultural richness and local products. In addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle, Ricky added that Mandiri Jogja Marathon also has the mission of stimulating the development of tourism and the economy in Yogyakarta and its surrounding areas, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

"Mandiri Jogja Marathon 2023, like in previous years, is expected to become a catalyst for tourism growth in Indonesia, especially in Yogyakarta, and maximize economic activities. We hope this will be a positive trigger for the domestic economy," said Ricky during the Mandiri Jogja Marathon 2023 press conference in Yogyakarta on Thursday.

The majority of the 8,000 participants competing in the marathon this year are cross-generational runners from the Jabodetabek region and major cities in Indonesia. International runners from countries such as Kenya, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, Belgium and Malaysia are also participating.

Ricky emphasized that this will add a unique touch to the MJM 2023 event, which is rarely seen in similar events. "Mandiri Jogja Marathon 2023 is developing a series of activities that involve both national and international running communities to provide a satisfying experience for all participants," he added.

To optimize the event, local institutions such as the Sleman regency, the Yogyakarta Police, and PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko are also involved in the event. Ricky explained that this collaboration is a key element in supporting the smooth execution of the event, which includes traffic management to ensure the activities of the surrounding local community along the running route remain undisturbed.

Moreover, to enhance the security and comfort of MJM 2023 participants, Bank Mandiri has partnered with PT AXA Mandiri Financial Services (AMFS) to provide personal accident insurance protection. The insurance coverage, amounting to Rp 160 billion, is provided to all of the 8,000 participants, including medical treatment coverage of any risks during Mandiri Jogja Marathon 2023. By providing this protection to participants, Bank Mandiri hopes that all participants will focus on giving their best performance during the event.

"The commitment and support from the Mandiri Group are given as a form of our trust in the participants and all stakeholders involved, including the DIY provincial administration, to create the best and safest sports event," added Ricky.

It is also worth noting that as part of its consistency in promoting sustainable development, Bank Mandiri has also made improvements and renovations along several points of the routes to be taken by MJM 2023 participants, from the Fun Run routes to the Marathon route itself.

"This is our way of demonstrating consistency. Since its inception in 2017, Bank Mandiri has been actively engaging in corporate social responsibility and environmental responsibility, especially in terms of road improvements that serve as routes for participants," he explained.

Singgih Raharjo, the acting mayor of Yogyakarta who previously served as the head of the DIY Tourism Office, revealed that to attract tourist interest, they have also involved local MSME traders to enliven this marathon competition.

"We want to involve not only the participants but also introduce Yogyakarta's local wisdom and culture to tourists, spectators, and other parties to join in making Mandiri Jogja Marathon this year a vibrant event," he explained.

Additionally, Singgih stated that the DIY provincial administration and Bank Mandiri have collaborated with various community elements, which include schools, art community studios, and MSMEs, to actively participate in the event. These include the appearance of Punakawan, Rama & Sinta, and Rahwana & Hanoman in the MJM icon.

Furthermore, both the public and participants can also enjoy Yogyakarta's culinary delights available at the Race Village after completing their run.

To facilitate transactions during the event, Bank Mandiri is providing non-cash payment networks to make transactions easier. This is also an effort by Bank Mandiri to improve financial literacy and inclusion for the citizens of Yogyakarta.

"We have collaborated with dozens of food and beverage vendors who are participating in this event. Moreover, participants can also experience the convenience of conducting transactions through Bank Mandiri's digital banking services," Ricky added.

In line with these efforts, Pandu Bagus Buntaran, the race director of iSport, stated that as the event organizer, it is committed to supporting this event as a way of promoting ecotourism development in Indonesia, especially in Yogyakarta, which has become a major tourist destination.

"In 2023, Mandiri Jogja Marathon, featuring the Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K categories, has obtained certification from the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races [AIMS]. This is evidence of Bank Mandiri's seriousness in developing athletic sports in Indonesia. Consequently, the Jogja Marathon route is recognized by World Athletics," he explained.

Pandu continued that the main stage of MJM 2023, located in the Prambanan Temple area, will also be enlivened by various top artists and performers. Performances by Andrea Lee, RAN, and Shaggydog are set to entertain the participants of MJM 2023.