Jakarta. State-owned bank BNI in partnership with Kelompok Lari Anak Bangsa kicked off the wondr Jakarta Running Festival (JRF) 2025 on Saturday.

The international-level running event began with a flag-off ceremony at the Gelora Bung Karno Sport Complex in Jakarta.

Indonesian Athletics Association PASI Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Danantara Chief Investment olOfficer Pandu Sjahrir, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, KLAB President Director Dickie Widjaja, BNI Deputy President Commissioner Tedi Bharata, and BNI President Director Putrama Wahju Setyawan attended the event.

According to BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo, the wondr JRF 2025 event has become more than just a sports event, but also a celebration of a healthy lifestyle, community collaboration, and a driver of the creative economy, with a broad impact on the city of Jakarta.

"We want to demonstrate that the spirit of #LangkahBersama BNI [‘Together with BNI’] is not just a slogan, but a real commitment to inspiring people to protect the earth and stimulate the economy," said Okki.

This annual event, which dates back to October 2022, has continued to grow into an international long-distance running and marathon event that has successfully attracted runners from all over the world. This year, 27,300 runners from 48 countries are taking part in a series of races that combine sports, entertainment, product expos, and community activities.

Participants can also visit the wondr JRF Expo 2025 on Oct. 23-26 at Istora Senayan. The expo features 100 brands and 138 merchants showcasing sports, fashion, healthy lifestyle, and culinary products from various local and international brands.

BNI remains upbeat this event will become a sports tourism attraction that strengthens Jakarta's position as a leading destination in Southeast Asia. The bank attributed this confidence to the #LangkahBersama collaboration between the Jakarta Provincial Government, PASI, public transport operator MRT Jakarta, more than 500 running communities, and other strategic partners.

Okki explained that BNI would remain committed to making wondr JRF 2025 a sustainable and environmentally friendly event.

"We are implementing a zero waste to landfill concept by providing waste sorting facilities, conducting measurable recording and reporting, and ensuring that all activities take place without leaving a negative environmental footprint," he said.

BNI and the organizers also manage carbon emissions generated from all operational activities of the event, including on-site energy use and fuel for logistics (Scope 1 and Scope 2). All emissions are offset through certified projects registered with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry's National Registry System (SRN), in line with Indonesia's 2060 net-zero emissions target.

"By participating in the JRF, runners are part of a movement that celebrates not only performance but also progress. Every step is a step closer to a cleaner, lower-carbon future for Jakarta and Indonesia," Okki said.