Bhimasena Run for Whale Shark 2026 Brings the Community Together to Protect Batang’s Marine Environment

Bhimasena Power – Batang Runners — The spirit of sports and concern for marine biodiversity came together at Bhimasena Run for Whale Shark 2026, a 6K running event initiated by PT Bhimasena Power Indonesia (BPI) in collaboration with the Batang Runners community on Sunday (27 September) at Pendopo Batang Regency.

Carrying the tagline “One Run. One Ocean. One Purpose.”, the event used sports as an inclusive educational platform to introduce whale sharks and raise public awareness of the richness of Batang’s marine biodiversity.

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is one of the valuable components of Batang’s marine biodiversity. The species has been observed on several occasions in Batang’s waters, including around the waters near PLTU Batang. Since 2022, research, monitoring, documentation, and public awareness activities have been conducted to learn more about the species and its presence in the area.

Ulul Azmi, Head of the Batang Regency Tourism, Youth and Sports Office, who attended the event representing the Regent of Batang, said the initiative provided a positive opportunity to bring together sports, the community, and environmental awareness.

“This event provides a positive opportunity to bring together sports, the community, and environmental awareness. We hope the spirit fostered through Bhimasena Run for Whale Shark will continue to encourage people to work together to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity in Batang Regency.”

Meanwhile, Aryamir H. Sulasmoro, General Manager of Stakeholder Relations at PT Bhimasena Power Indonesia, said the event was part of the company’s efforts to broaden public awareness of whale sharks and marine biodiversity through an approach that resonates with the community.

“We want to communicate the importance of caring for our oceans in an enjoyable and inclusive way. Through sports, we hope more people will learn about the richness of Batang’s marine biodiversity, including whale sharks, so that awareness can grow into a genuine commitment to conservation.”

Hundreds of participants took part in the 6-kilometer run. In addition to the running activity, the event featured messages encouraging whale shark protection and educational outreach on the species’ presence and the importance of conserving marine biodiversity.

The event also strengthened collaboration among businesses, communities, the government, the media, and the public in promoting positive messages about Batang’s marine biodiversity.

Through Bhimasena Run for Whale Shark 2026, the message of ocean conservation is expected to reach a wider audience—from research to awareness, and from awareness to greater public commitment to protecting Batang’s marine environment.

One Run. One Ocean. One Purpose.