Many people run to Bogor to convey their aspirations

When the runner carries the mission. They traveled hundreds of kilometers to convey the aspirations of the people.

KOMPAS/RHAMA PURNA JATI

A group of runners from various running communities in West Java gathered at Kujang Monument, Bogor City, on Sunday (28/4/2024). They came to meet the former Mayor of Bogor for the 2014-2024 period, Bima Arya, to convey some aspirations.

Dozens of runners from various running communities in West Java gathered in the city of Bogor, West Java. They cover dozens or even hundreds of kilometers while carrying important messages that are absorbed from the stories of runners and society in general.

With sweat pouring down, Shandy Yoga (22) arrived at Tugu Kujang on Sunday (28/4/2024). Along with four of his colleagues, Shandy had run from Gedung Sate, Bandung to Tugu Kujang, Kota Bogor, covering a distance of 100 kilometers (km) in approximately 26 hours.

"Finally, we have arrived in front of the Kujang Monument, Bogor City," wrote Shandy on Instagram social media after arriving in Bogor.

His arrival was warmly welcomed by other runners who had arrived earlier. They came from several areas in West Java, such as Bogor Regency, Bogor City, Depok, and Sukabumi.

For Shandy, running hundreds of kilometers has pushed his limits. “So far I have only run the longest distance, around 26 km. "This route is the furthest run distance I have ever run in the eight years I started running," said Shandy.

Along the journey, Shandy has experienced a number of events. Starting from the steep uphill track in the peak area, being drenched by heavy rain, to foot cramps in the middle of the journey. However, it didn't become an obstacle, on the contrary, it became a booster of spirit to complete the mission.

For him, running is an effective way to maintain fitness and stamina. "Through running, I can identify any issues in the areas I pass," said the Universitas Widyatama student from Bandung.

Luckily, Shandy was accompanied by more experienced colleagues so his run was quite safe.

Also read: Very few roads in Jakarta have sidewalks

KOMPAS/RHAMA PURNA JATI

A group of runners from various running communities in West Java gathered at Kujang Monument, Bogor City, on Sunday (28/4/2024). They came to meet the former Mayor of Bogor for the 2014-2024 period, Bima Arya, to convey some aspirations.

Upon arriving at the Kujang Monument, Sandy and dozens of other runners plan to meet with the Chairman of the Indonesian Trail Running Association (ALTI), Bima Arya, at his residence in the Katulampa Village, East Bogor District. They intend to convey several complaints and aspirations from the runners and the general public.

Their arrival was immediately welcomed by Bima, who had served as the Mayor of Bogor for two terms (2014-2024). "I did not expect someone to run hundreds of kilometers to meet me," said Bima.

Without hesitation, the runners immediately expressed their aspirations. Starting with Shandy who asked the government to pay attention to Rancaekek, Bandung Regency, which is rich in athletic potential, but lacks sports facilities.

"We only train with minimal facilities. "In fact, the younger generation's interest in athletics is very large," he said.

There are indeed excellent facilities available at several universities in the area. However, these facilities are not for the general public, but only for the students within them.

Other aspirations were also conveyed by Rivan Maulana (24), a runner from Parung Panjang, Bogor Regency. He complained about the numerous mining trucks that passed by not on schedule.

This condition is very dangerous for runners and pedestrians. "We feel threatened. Not only because of large vehicles, but also because the resulting pollution is very suffocating," he said.

This situation has been going on for a long time, but there has been no significant action from the local government. He hopes that this meeting can produce a permanent solution so that mining transportation will no longer operate at inappropriate times.

Neni Rohaeni (42), a runner from Palabuhanratu, Sukabumi Regency, also expressed her complaints. She conveyed the condition of damaged access roads at several points. The beautiful Loji beach is now also buried under trash that disturbs the sight and emits a very pungent smell. "It had been cleaned before. However, trash still exists because it is carried by the seawater," she said.

Also read: Sidewalks ”Instagramable” in Depok Occupied by Motor Vehicles

This situation can certainly obscure the beauty of Palabuhanratu with its various natural resources and tourism potential. Especially in Sukabumi, there is also the Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark tourist area which has gained global recognition.

"If only this place was managed well, I'm sure (Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark) could become a location for running events on a national and international scale," said Rohaeni, who has been in a running community called Kokojo Run for six years.

KOMPAS/RHAMA PURNA JATI

Mayor of Bogor for the 2014-2024 period, Bima Arya.

Bima, who hears the complaint, will try to accommodate the aspirations and convey them to the regents and mayors concerned when the time comes. The goal is to resolve this issue promptly.

"Seeing the strong vision of the runners, I become more motivated," said Bima, who serves as the Chairman of the Association of Government of All Cities in Indonesia for the period of 2021-2023.

According to Bima, running is not just a sport, but a means to absorb aspirations. "Through running, I can 'shop for problems' from society. From running, I also gain inspiration," said Bima.

He realizes that having adequate infrastructure is important to support community activities, including promoting a healthy lifestyle. "Almost every day, I run for at least an hour a day. If I don't run, I feel like something is missing," said Bima.

Healthier

However, for Tomas, age is just a number. The grandfather of three grandchildren is still able to run a distance of 20 kilometers from Pakansari Stadium, Bogor Regency, to Tugu Kujang.

The runners hope that this aspiration can be realized. It takes commitment from all parties to make this happen.

Running dozens of kilometers has become Tomas' daily routine. "In a day, I can spend up to 2 hours running. Even on weekends, I can run up to 4 hours," said Tomas, who works as a security officer in one of the private companies.

In addition to running, Tomas also maintains a healthy lifestyle, such as avoiding dinner and smoking, and not drinking coffee. "As a result, I have never been sick to this day. Always fit," he said.

KOMPAS/IWAN SETIYAWAN

Traditional Balinese dancers welcomed runners participating in the Maybank Marathon Bali 2019 in Bali, on Sunday (9/8/2019). Approximately 11,600 participants took part in the race which was divided into three categories: 10 kilometers, 21 kilometers, and the full marathon at 42.195 kilometers.

By continuing to run with enthusiasm, he hopes to become an example for the younger generation to start promoting a healthy lifestyle. "With a healthy lifestyle, we will be much more productive," he said.

The runners hope that this aspiration can be realized. It takes commitment from all parties to make this happen.

Bandung-based running enthusiast, Jejen Mutakin (34), compared Indonesia to Singapore. In Singapore, runners have adequate places to run. There are many public spaces and wide sidewalks.

The situation is different in Indonesia where the infrastructure for runners or residents to take a leisurely walk is quite minimal, even dangerous. "If we are not careful, we can get injured or even have an accident," he said.

By improving the facilities, interest in exercising will come naturally. ”The main thing is to be happy first. "How can people enjoy sports if the facilities don't exist," said Jeje.