Creativity Shines at Bank Jateng Friendship Run Semarang 2026: Willing to Carry Stupa Costumes and Temple Miniatures Over 5 Kilometers

SEMARANG, KOMPAS.com – Among the sea of approximately 1,100 runners clad in light blue uniforms filling the streets of Semarang on the morning of Sunday (20/9/2026), several figures caught the public's attention.

They did not just wear ordinary running shirts and sports shoes; these participants went all out, donning giant carnival costumes featuring motifs of the archipelago's culture and the grandeur of Borobudur Temple.

According to observations near the running route by the Central Java Governor's Office, cheers from spectators and fellow runners soared as a participant passed by wearing a magnificent costume shaped like the reliefs of Borobudur Temple, complete with a golden Buddha replica at its peak.

The man, wearing a golden mask and traditional Javanese batik, stood tall carrying the temple-themed costume, which featured miniature black stupas on both shoulders.

Equally eye-catching, another runner sported giant shoulder decorations shaped like hollow stupas characteristic of Borobudur.

Complete with a golden crown and Javanese wayang-inspired attire, runner number 1050 calmly paced through the 5-kilometer course despite bearing the weighty ornament on his shoulders.

Best Costume Competition

KOMPAS.COM/Muchamad Dafi Yusuf Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi after participating in the Bank Jateng Friendship Run Semarang, Sunday (20/9/2026).

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi praised the enthusiasm and creativity of the participants who blended the sport of running with vibrant cultural elements and local economic activity.

"The runners mark the warm-up for the Borobudur Marathon scheduled for November 15 in Borobudur. This is the second edition; the previous one was held in Boyolali," Luthfi said during the event on Sunday (20/9/2026).

Luthfi highlighted the importance of collaboration between large-scale public sporting events and the empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) supported by Bank Jateng, which enlivened the Race Village area.

"Our concept is that Bank Jateng partners with UMKM for what? Not only does it involve sports aspects, but it also aims to boost new economic growth in our region through UMKM. Because what? The heartbeat of Central Java's economy — the ‘big bone’ — is UMKM," emphasized Luthfi.

Seeing the high enthusiasm of participants and the Semarang community, Luthfi is optimistic that the peak Borobudur Marathon 2026 event will attract even greater international attention.

"My hope is that the Borobudur Marathon will become an international event. Last year, it saw participation from 58 countries, and it is expected to be even more this year — potentially exceeding last year's expectations. This means the Borobudur Marathon icon will become an international and global event, not only belonging to Central Java or Indonesia," he added.