RRI.CO.ID, Wonosobo - The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has hailed the recently concluded Dieng Caldera Race 2026 as a highly successful promotional vehicle to firmly establish Wonosobo Regency in Central Java as a premier international sport tourism hub.

The destination‑based trail running event is credited with driving tourist flows, boosting hospitality occupancy rates, and creating lucrative retail channels for small rural businesses.

During a direct inspection of the racecourse at the Tambi Tea Plantation in Wonosobo on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa emphasized that combining competitive athletics with pristine natural landscapes creates an experiential travel model that resonates with modern domestic and global travelers.

“Ultimately, the Dieng Caldera Race is not just a running event, but also a very effective medium for promoting tourism,” Ni Luh said in a ministry press statement confirmed on Monday, June 22, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

She further noted that the volcanic trail race transcends traditional sports by weaving athletic endurance, natural biodiversity, and Javanese cultural heritage into a memorable competitive journey.

The 2026 edition drew hundreds of elite athletes and trail‑running enthusiasts from across Indonesia alongside a diverse lineup of international competitors.

Carefully mapped routes challenged runners with steep ascents while rewarding them with sweeping vistas of the Tambi Tea Plantation, Mount Sindoro, Puncak Sikendil, and the valleys surrounding Mount Sibuthak.

Beyond navigating the demanding volcanic terrain, international athletes experienced the authentic hospitality of local highland communities, who lined rural pathways to cheer them on.

The Ministry of Tourism stressed that the benchmark for sport tourism success lies in its long‑term economic footprint. By filling homestays, hotels, and traditional eateries across Wonosobo, the race has delivered immediate financial benefits for the agrarian population.

Ni Luh encouraged athletes and their support crews to extend their stays and explore Wonosobo’s wider offerings, including curated agro‑tourism tours at the Tambi Tea Plantation, where visitors can walk scenic estates and learn traditional tea‑processing methods.

Looking ahead, the central government plans to strengthen institutional collaboration with regional organizers to scale up the event. The goal is to transform the Dieng Caldera Race into a recurring icon of Indonesia’s national sport tourism calendar, consistently drawing adventure travelers from around the world. ***