Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Youth and Sports has invited people to take part in Merdeka Run 2026, with registration opening on Wednesday (Aug 12).
According to an official statement from the ministry cited in Jakarta on Tuesday, the Merdeka Run event is held to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence.
Registration will open at 5 p.m. local time through the event’s official website www.merdekarun.id.
The race, themed “Bangun, Bergerak, Merdeka” (Rise, Move, Be Free), will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Participants will run an 8-kilometer course, starting in front of Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
The event will also feature MSME booths, a culinary festival, a drone show, and musical performances. The agenda is intended to allow people to celebrate the Independence Day moment with their families and communities.
The ministry asked participants to follow updates on Merdeka Run through the official Instagram accounts @merdekarun_indonesia and @kemenpora.
Earlier, Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir said Merdeka Run 2026 would involve people in celebrating the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence.
The free running event will bring together government officials, business people, public figures, celebrities, members of the general public, as well as media.
According to Erick, the event is part of an effort to express gratitude as Indonesia marks its 81st year of independence and continues to grow into a country that commands global attention, including in geopolitics, economics, and creative works.
He said the work of Indonesians in fields such as film, music, sports, and other sectors continues to gain recognition in today’s global environment.
“This is certainly thanks to Indonesians who continue to be creative. Merdeka Run is also part of our effort to strengthen collaboration,” the minister said.
Despite the run being primarily intended for Indonesian citizens, however, organizers remain open to foreign nationals who wish to participate, demonstrating that Indonesians are an open society engaged with the global community.
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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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