Denpasar – Chairman of the Bali Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Made Ariandi, has called for various sporting events in Bali to serve not only as competitions and entertainment, but also as catalysts for broader economic benefits for the community, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

According to Ariandi, the growing public enthusiasm for running—from 5K and 10K races to half marathons and marathons—demonstrates that sports have evolved into a lifestyle while also holding significant potential to drive regional economic growth, he said on August 23, 2026.

“Sporting events should be able to serve as a stimulus for Bali’s MSMEs. The public should not merely become spectators; local businesses must also be given opportunities to participate in these activities,” Ariandi said.

He noted that MSME participation could include the provision of culinary booths, local products, souvenirs, handicrafts, sportswear, transportation services, and various other goods and services needed by participants and tourists.

Made Ariandi, who was re-elected to lead the Bali Provincial Kadin for the 2025–2030 term, explained that the concept is in line with the development of sport tourism, which positions sporting activities as tourism attractions capable of bringing in participants and tourists while generating economic activity in destination areas.

Sport Tourism Is About More Than Bringing in Participants

Ariandi said Bali has strong foundations for developing sport tourism, given its tourism destinations, tourism infrastructure, cultural assets, and growing sports communities.

However, he emphasized that the economic impact of sporting events must be designed so that it does not stop at the number of participants or the popularity of an event.

“When we talk about sport tourism, we should not only look at how many people come or how many participants take part. More importantly, we need to look at how much economic value remains in Bali and is actually felt by the community,” he said.

He hopes that every sporting event organizer will provide proportional opportunities for local MSMEs, allowing economic activity to circulate throughout the event.

This concept can also be developed through collaboration among event organizers, local governments, Kadin, sports communities, tourism industry players, and MSMEs.

Maybank Marathon as an Example of International-Scale Sport Tourism

Ariandi also highlighted the Maybank Marathon 2026, which was held in Bali on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

Maybank Marathon is one of the international-scale running events that has become part of the development of sport tourism in Bali. In 2026, the event was held at the Bali United Training Center in Gianyar, featuring the 42.195-kilometer Marathon, 21.1-kilometer Half Marathon, and 10K categories.

Maybank Marathon also holds a special position within the international sporting ecosystem as a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race. The event entered its 15th edition in 2026.

According to Ariandi, the scale and appeal of the Maybank Marathon demonstrate the significant potential of sports as an instrument for promoting Bali as a destination.

Participants arriving from various parts of Indonesia and abroad require not only race facilities, but also accommodation, food, transportation, tourist destinations, and various other services.

Therefore, the economic chain generated by a sporting event can be much longer than activities taking place solely on race day.

The Use of Public Facilities Should Be Accompanied by Contributions

While supporting the organization of sporting events, Ariandi said the use of public facilities also needs to be taken into consideration.

He highlighted the use of public roads as part of large-scale sporting events, including roads used as race routes.

According to him, when public facilities are used for events organized by corporations, there should be a transparent contribution or compensation mechanism for local governments and communities.

“If possible, the organization of these events should be transparent because the organizers are corporations. Meanwhile, responsibility for road maintenance lies with the relevant government agencies through regional or national budgets, depending on whether the roads are regional or national roads,” he said.

He said such contributions could be considered through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) schemes directed toward the needs of communities and public facilities surrounding event venues.

“When public facilities are used, there should naturally be a contribution that is returned to the community. One option could be through CSR, as long as the mechanism is clear, transparent, and compliant with applicable regulations,” he added.

Ariandi stressed that the idea is not intended to hinder the organization of sporting events. Instead, he wants large-scale events to generate greater benefits for local communities and the region.

Traffic Congestion Must Also Be Taken into Consideration

Beyond the economic aspects, the impact on public mobility must also be considered when organizing sporting events involving large numbers of participants.

The use of roads such as the By Pass Ida Bagus Mantra area, as well as public roads in subdistricts and villages, could disrupt community activities if large-scale road closures or traffic arrangements are implemented.

Ariandi hopes event organizers will strengthen communication with local governments, traffic authorities, and communities before events take place.

“An event that is intended to bring people in and generate benefits should not end up creating problems for people who use these roads every day,” he said.

He believes traffic management, public information, road diversions, and the provision of alternative transportation should be incorporated into event planning.

Sports Events Must Continue to Support Athlete Development

From a sporting perspective, Ariandi also reminded stakeholders that the growth of running events should remain connected to athlete development.

Running is part of the broader sports development ecosystem, one aspect of which is carried out through sports organizations and programs under the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI), including talent identification and the development of young athletes.

Therefore, sporting events organized by companies and private-sector entities could be directed toward strengthening the local sports ecosystem.

“Events like these should not merely become commercial activities. If possible, they should also provide opportunities to support the development of young athletes in Bali, so that sporting activities generate benefits in both achievement and economic terms,” he said.

He said synergy among event organizers, KONI, local governments, sports communities, and the business sector could create a more sustainable ecosystem.

Sport Tourism Must Generate a Multiplier Effect

Ariandi believes Bali’s sport tourism industry has strong prospects for the future if managed through a more integrated approach.

Events such as the Maybank Marathon can serve as an entry point for introducing Bali’s destinations to participants from other regions and countries. However, participants and tourists should also be encouraged to have broader experiences in Bali through tour packages, local cuisine, MSME products, and cultural activities.

“Sport tourism must generate a multiplier effect. Participants come for the sport, but then they stay overnight, eat, travel, purchase MSME products, and experience Balinese culture. That is where the economic value lies,” Ariandi explained.

He hopes future sporting events in Bali will increasingly embrace the principles of sport, tourism, community, and sustainability.

With this approach, sporting events can generate not only athletic achievements and destination promotion, but also create business opportunities, increase tourist arrivals, strengthen MSMEs, and contribute to local communities and the region.

For Ariandi, the success of a sporting event should ultimately be measured not only by the number of participants and the excitement surrounding the event, but also by how much lasting benefit it creates for Bali.