BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — The Bali chapter of the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies, ASITA Bali, is set to stage the prestigious “Bali Tourism Run 2026” on June 21, 2026, at the world-renowned Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Tabanan Regency.

More than just a running event, Bali Tourism Run 2026 is designed as a catalyst for local economic growth, a platform to promote quality tourism, and an initial step toward the “Road to 100 Years of Bali Tourism” campaign in 2027.

Chairman of ASITA Bali and event initiator, I Putu Winastra, said the selection of Jatiluwih was deliberate due to its global reputation as a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage destination and its growing appeal for sustainable tourism.

“Through Bali Tourism Run, we want to show both the public and tourists that Jatiluwih is a quality destination that offers comfort and a unique travel experience,” Winastra said during a press conference on Monday.

He stressed that the event aims to encourage visitors to stay longer and experience more than just sightseeing.

“We want tourists not only to come for photos and leave. We want them to experience the local culinary scene, stay in village homestays, and directly engage with the local community. We are also involving local MSMEs from Tabanan so tourism can create a positive impact for the community,” he added.

Vice Chairman of the organizing committee, I Ketut Purna, also known as Jhon K Purna, said the event carries the theme “The Journey Begins from Jatiluwih,” symbolizing the launch of Bali Tourism Run from one of Bali’s most iconic tourism destinations.

Preparations involving traffic management, parking arrangements, and security coordination with local police and traditional village security officers (pecalang) are currently underway.

“As hosts, we are coordinating with the police and local pecalang to ensure smooth traffic and security arrangements during the event,” said Purna, who also serves as Manager of Jatiluwih Tourism Destination.

The organizers emphasized that environmental sustainability remains a top priority. Participant numbers will be strictly limited to preserve the carrying capacity of the Jatiluwih area.

Chairman of Bali Tourism Run 2026, I Wayan Suberata, explained that the event will feature a 5K race category with a maximum target of 2,000 runners.

“Jatiluwih is an exclusive destination. We have carefully calculated its carrying capacity. If we force the event to accommodate up to 10,000 participants, it could backfire and damage the environment. Therefore, we are limiting participation to 2,000 runners,” Suberata stated.

He added that the timing of the event coincides with Indonesia’s school holiday season, Bung Karno Day commemorations, and the ongoing Bali Arts Festival (PKB), making it an ideal moment to attract both domestic and international visitors.

A day before the race, on June 20, 2026, visitors will also be able to enjoy the Jatiluwih Festival featuring cultural and community-based activities.

Since registration opened on May 13, more than 100 runners have already signed up, with organizers expecting a significant increase following the official press conference.

Beyond tourism and sports, the event also carries a strong social mission. Logistics and equipment coordinator Ketut Sediya Yasa said ASITA will provide scholarships for two underprivileged children and include a housing renovation assistance program as part of the charity initiative tied to the event.

“ASITA is not only active in the travel industry, but also committed to social causes. Through Bali Tourism Run, we want to contribute directly to the community,” he said.

Online registration for Bali Tourism Run 2026 remains open through RunOn Indonesia, with early bird tickets priced at IDR 250,000 until May 21, 2026, and regular tickets at IDR 300,000 starting May 22.

The event is fully supported by Bali Tourism Board, the Bali provincial government, the Tabanan Regency administration, and 32 tourism stakeholders across Bali. Organizers also plan to make Bali Tourism Run an annual event rotating across regencies throughout the island.