JELAJAH REMPAH 2025: Running Through the Spice Route for the Literacy of Maluku’s Children
Ambon, 25 Desember 2025
Jelajah Rempah 2025 returns as a trail running event that not only challenges the physical endurance of runners, but also carries a strong social mission for the future of children in Maluku. The event combines the spirit of sport, the beauty of the islands’ natural landscapes, and a collaborative movement to improve literacy across the Maluku region.
In its 2025 edition, Jelajah Rempah features two ultramarathon categories: 50 kilometers and 100 kilometers. A total of 50 runners from various regions across Indonesia took part in this extraordinary journey, running through routes that trace both the natural landscapes and the historical spice trade paths of Maluku.
Registration for Jelajah Rempah 2025 opened from October 24 to December 3, 2025. Participants then attended the Racepack Collection and Technical Meeting on December 3, 2025, as part of the preparation before the race officially began.
The runners’ journey started on December 5, 2025. The 100K category began at the Ambon World Peace Gong, a symbol of harmony and unity in Maluku. Meanwhile, the 50K category started from Liang Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Ambon Island and the gateway to the challenging route ahead. All runners then continued their long journey across various natural trails before finally finishing at the Ambon World Peace Gong on December 6, 2025.
However, Jelajah Rempah is more than just a running competition. The event carries the spirit of “Run for Literacy,” where every participant also serves as a fundraiser. Funds collected from registration fees and runners’ fundraising efforts were fully donated to the Heka Leka Foundation.
The donations will support the Heka Leka Foundation’s program to build 100 Child-Friendly Libraries across the Maluku Islands. This initiative aims to expand access to reading materials, create safe and enjoyable learning spaces, and foster a reading culture among children living in island communities and underserved 3T regions (frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged areas).
The success of Jelajah Rempah 2025 would not have been possible without the support of many parties who believe in this mission. Support came from sponsors such as SIG, Yokke, BTN, TBD, Ortuseight, L-Men, Klinik Mata Utama Maluku, Loouder, The City Hotel, Le Minerale, Dapur Kole-Kole, Hydro Coco, Gramedia, and Ayobantu. In addition, participation and support were also provided by the Maluku Provincial Government, the Maluku Diaspora, and the Maluku Provincial Tourism Office.
Through Jelajah Rempah, every step taken by the runners becomes a symbol of hope that the long journey they endure will open the way for more children in Maluku to discover books, read the world, and build a brighter future.
Jelajah Rempah is not only about running far, but about moving forward together for literacy.
