Bintan, 4th November 2025 – Following a highly anticipated return, one of the most prominent events in Bintan Island the Mandiri Bintan Marathon is scheduled to take place this weekend from 7 to 9 November 2025. Demonstrating its continued support for the growth of sport tourism in Indonesia, Mandiri Bank returns as the main sponsor of the event. This collaboration highlights the bank’s alignment with government efforts to expand employment opportunities, stimulate productive sectors, and encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
“This year, Mandiri Bintan Marathon recorded a 25 percent increase from the previous edition, with a total of 3,000 runners participating from across the country and overseas,” said Head of Commercial Bintan Resorts, Raja Azmizal Usman. Carrying the theme “Run and Discover”, the event invites participants to discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Bumi Segantang Lada which literally translates to the Land of a Bushel of Pepper. The medal that finishers will take home features a design inspired by the story of the Sea Tribe of the Riau Islands Province, depicting symbolic creatures that serve as guides and companions such as the dog as a loyal hunting partner, the parrot (bayan) as a sign of changing weather, the wise monkey as an advisor, and the rooster as a marker of time. Together, these elements reflect the harmony between humans, nature, instinct, wisdom, and the coastal spirit of Bintan Island.
As part of its sustainability commitment, the event features the Mandiri Looping for Life initiative, encouraging participants to contribute to the preservation of coastal ecosystems and the protection of natural barriers against shoreline erosion. The initiative involves donating mangrove seedlings to be planted in the mangrove forest in North of Bintan Island, serving as a positive step to help offset the carbon footprint generated by participants’ activities.
“Through Mandiri Bintan Marathon, we aim to offer more than just a running event. It represents a momentum for Sinergi Majukan Negeri, where sports, tourism, sustainability, and productive industries collaborate to drive tangible social and economic impact,” said M. Ashidiq Iswara, Corporate Secretary of Bank Mandiri. Mandiri Bank support for this event reflects its alignment with the national development priorities outlined in the government’s Asta Cita mission, particularly in strengthening economic resilience and enhancing community welfare through productive and sustainable initiatives.
The Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Office of Riau Islands Province as well as Office of Culture and Tourism of Bintan Regency, along with various private partners such as the Four Points by Sheraton Bintan Hotel, also extend their support for the success of this event.
“Reflecting the commitment to maintaining Bintan Marathon at the level of other international running events, Bintan Resorts and iSport, as the event organizers, have successfully secured recognition as part of AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races),” said Azmi. The Mandiri Bintan Marathon brand continues to strengthen its presence and is increasingly anticipated on both national and international event calendars. “This year, participants from Indonesia make up 90 percent of the total, with the remaining portion coming from international entrants,” he added.
“For the first time, we introduce Lawa Lokal, opening concurrently with participant registration at Ballroom of Four Points by Sheraton as the venue of race pack collection. Lawa Lokal is a sports apparel bazaar showcasing leading local brands from across Indonesia and is open to the public. An entertainment stage will also be set up at race village, Lagoi Bay to enhance the festival atmosphere throughout the weekend,” he explained.
This year’s running event will feature a new course, highlighting the appeal of Lagoi Bay from a different perspective and designed to engage participants. “The route has been measured with high precision in accordance with AIMS standards, providing accurate distances for each category, including Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10 kilometer,” said Race Director iSport, Pandu Bagus Buntaran. “For runners, the new course offers relatively lower elevation compared to last year, while maintaining smooth road conditions, and it will serve as the standard route for the next five years,” he added. Exciting elements, including 5 kilometer and 3 kilometer distances Fun Run and its course challenges, will contribute to the overall enjoyment of this year’s event.
The organizers have ensured that water stations are available throughout the course in line with international standards, along with additional hydration points such as misting stations, wet sponge stations, and snack stations. A comprehensive recovery area is also provided, including ice baths and specialized physiotherapy services for participants in the Marathon and Half Marathon categories after they cross the finish line. To ensure safety and smooth navigation, marshals and security personnel will guide participants with clear signage and directional markers, supported by a medical team that remains on standby and fully responsive.
The Head of Bintan Regency, Roby Kurniawan introduced the slogan “Run in a Tropical Paradise,” highlighting the destination’s natural beauty and enduring charm.The collaboration among Tourism Offices in the Riau Islands Province, organizers, and other partners reflects such collaborative efforts to strengthen Bintan Island’s position as a premier tourism and sports destination, while generating positive economic impact for local communities.
Echoing this sentiment, the Head of the Provincial Tourism Office of Riau Islands Province, Hasan, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing synergy for the revitalization of tourism in the Riau Islands, especially in the Regency of Bintan. “The festive atmosphere will extend beyond the racecourse, with a lively event area featuring a culinary bazaar, sports merchandise booths, and cultural performances showcasing the unique charm of Riau Islands,” he noted.
