HARIANEXPRESS – PDI Perjuangan Faction member Erma Susanti combined sports, tourism, and local coffee at the Merdeka Coffee Trail Run 2026 in Embung Gogoniti, Blitar, attracting 700 participants on Sunday (23/08/2026).
The event drew approximately 700 runners from various regions, including Blitar, Surabaya, Malang, Solo, Bojonegoro, and Batu. Participants competed in two categories: 15 kilometers for the general category and 7 kilometers for students.
The oldest participant recorded for the event was 76 years old. This initiative aims to revive tourism potential and boost the recognition of East Blitar’s unique coffee.
Erma Susanti stated the event was designed not merely as a sports competition but as a strategy to reintroduce tourist destinations and superior products from East Blitar. She noted that trail running is popular, especially among young people, and its combination with village tourism and coffee allows these three potentials to mutually reinforce each other.
“Trail run is now very popular, especially among young people. We combine it with tourist villages and coffee because these three potentials can mutually strengthen each other,” said Erma Susanti.
She added her hope that participants would share their experiences, leading others to discover Gogoniti’s tourist destination. Erma believes this approach is effective for attracting visitors and expanding promotion through social media.
Erma also highlighted coffee as a significant strength in East Blitar, with regions like Doko, Selorejo, Kesamben, Wlingi, and Gandusari known for producing developing quality coffee. She stressed that tourism development must go hand-in-hand with strengthening local products for broader economic benefits.
The development of the coffee sector should extend beyond cultivation to include farmer assistance, quality improvement, post-harvest processing, and barista training. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance product value and empower local communities.
Doko’s Arabica coffee, grown at around 1,000 meters above sea level, holds potential for broader market competition. Furthermore, young generations are encouraged to join the coffee industry through skills training and business-based education.
“If farmers can process and serve, the added value is greater. They don’t just sell coffee beans but can develop their own businesses,” Erma Susanti.
Erma expressed her hope that the concept of the Merdeka Coffee Trail Run would expand beyond Gogoniti. Currently, Blitar Regency has 26 tourist villages, each with distinct characteristics and potential.
These villages require innovative events and activities capable of attracting tourists and stimulating local economies.
“Don’t just limit it to Gogoniti. Other tourist villages must also be activated. This can be through sports events, cultural events, or other concepts suitable for the potential of each village,” Erma Susanti stated.
Blitar Regency Secretary Khusna Lindarti praised the Merdeka Coffee Trail Run, recognizing its dual benefits for the region. She emphasized that besides promoting healthy living, the event serves as a tourism promotion tool and creates economic opportunities for the surrounding community.
“Participants are not only from Blitar. Some come from outside the region. This serves as direct promotion for Gogoniti tourism,” said Khusna Lindarti.
Khusna also mentioned that the Blitar Regency Government consistently supports coffee farmers through aid for seeds, fertilizers, training, assistance, and product marketing.
In the 7-kilometer female student category, Avinda Wahyuningtias from Blitar secured first place. Avinda, participating in a trail run for the first time, prepared for about a month with running, tempo, and interval training.
“Initially, my goal was just to finish. Alhamdulillah, I even got the bonus of being a champion,” Avinda Wahyuningtias (Student) stated.
Avinda found the course beginner-friendly despite some challenging inclines. She concluded that the event was excellent and hoped it would be held in other villages.
