Indonesia Uses VOTCHA 2026 to Promote Volcano Tourism Globally

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is using trail running to showcase its volcanic landscapes to international visitors, with 1,765 runners from 15 countries taking part in the first Volcano Trail Championship (VOTCHA) 2026 at Mount Tangkuban Perahu, West Java, on September 12-13, 2026.

VOTCHA 2026 Director Nur Wahyu Widayatno said the Ring of Fire-themed event provides an opportunity to introduce Indonesia's sport tourism potential through a trail-running ecosystem that brings together sports, nature, communities, lifestyle and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

"Indonesia has extraordinary volcanoes, nature and trail-running communities. We want VOTCHA to become an entry point for introducing Indonesia's volcanic regions to the world through sports," Wahyu said in an official statement on Wednesday, September 16, as quoted by Antara.

VOTCHA 2026 Race Director Rahman Mukhlis said the race routes were specially designed to pass through active volcanic areas, dense tropical forests, green tea plantations and the Domas Crater, offering participants a different trail-running experience.

The event upholds the philosophy "Santai Tapi Sampai" as its main message for participants, accommodating a wide range of runners through five categories: 45K with 2,700 meters of elevation gain, 25K with 1,241 meters, 10K with 636 meters, 5K with 232 meters, and the 700-meter Kids Dash.

The categories are designed for elite runners, experienced trail runners, recreational runners and children, allowing participants with different levels of experience to take part.

VOTCHA also carries a long-term mission to promote trail running more widely in Indonesia, encourage healthy lifestyles, provide environmental education and support the local economy.

The inaugural event is also expected to contribute to the development of national sport tourism and become part of Indonesia's official tourism Calendar of Events.

Organizers also hope VOTCHA can attract more international runners to explore other iconic Indonesian volcanic destinations, including Mount Tambora, Mount Semeru and Mount Rinjani, in the future. ***