Indonesia Promotes Friendship at Tokyo Marathon 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is using one of the world’s most prestigious road races as a platform for sports diplomacy and cultural outreach, with 150 Indonesian runners set to take part in the 2026 Tokyo Marathon on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Nurmala Kartini Pandjaitan Sjahrir on Saturday, February 28, personally welcomed the delegation of runners ahead of the race.

In a statement issued by the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and received in Jakarta, she described their participation as a reflection of Indonesia’s collaborative spirit in promoting the country abroad while strengthening friendship with Japan.

“I hope all Indonesian runners can finish the race in good health and carry Indonesia’s message of friendship to the world,” Ambassador Kartini said during a carbo-loading session held prior to the marathon, as quoted by Antara.

Carbo-loading, or carbohydrate loading, refers to increasing carbohydrate intake to boost glycogen levels in muscles before endurance events such as a marathon. The session served not only as physical preparation, but also as a gathering to foster solidarity and confidence among participants.

Kartini added that the embassy consistently supports the activities of Indonesians in international arenas. According to her, the carbo-loading event was more than a technical preparation, it was also an opportunity to build international networks of friendship.

“It is also a learning opportunity for improving the quality of Indonesian sports, including in organizing world-class marathon events,” she said.

Beyond the 150 registered runners, eight Indonesian public figures are also present in Tokyo: runners Iqbal Saputra, Agus Prayogo, Andrew Gunawan Tandiari, Irvin Iskandar, and Aulia Fathurrahman, painter Erika Richardo, actor Angga Yunanda, and YouTuber Jerome Polin Sijabat.

Their participation highlights how Indonesia is combining athletics, youth engagement, and public diplomacy on a global sporting stage. ***