Ambassador Kartini Sjahrir Welcomes Indonesian Runners for Tokyo Marathon 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Tokyo – The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Japan, Nurmala Kartini Pandjaitan Sjahrir, directly welcomed 150 Indonesian runners at the Pocari Sweat Carbo Loading event for the Tokyo Marathon 2026 in Tokyo on Saturday, February 28, 2026. This carbohydrate loading event was attended not only by Indonesian marathon runners but also by President Director of PT Amerta Indah Otsuka, Makoto Ikemoto, and Head of ASEAN Nutraceutical Business Otsuka and New Area, Yoshihiro Bando.

"Welcome to Tokyo to all Indonesian runners. Your participation in the Tokyo Marathon 2026 is a manifestation of the spirit of collaboration to promote Indonesia and enhance friendship with Japan," the Ambassador said in an official release received in Jakarta on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

"I hope all Indonesian runners can complete the race in good health and carry Indonesia's message of friendship to the world," she said.

The Ambassador also conveyed the commitment of the Indonesian representation to support the activities of the Indonesian community abroad, particularly in Japan.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo always supports the activities of the Indonesian community in international events. This carbo loading activity is not merely physical preparation, but also a moment of togetherness to support each other and strengthen the participants' confidence, including in building international friendship networks. Furthermore, this activity serves as a learning experience for the development of Indonesian sports quality, as well as for organizing world-class marathons," she said.

A total of 150 Indonesian runners will participate in the Tokyo Marathon 2026, which will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026. In addition to this number, several young Indonesian influencers are also involved, including:

• Iqbal Saputra (runner).
• Agus Prayogo (runner).
• Andrew Gunawan Tandiari (runner).
• Irvin Iskandar (runner).
• Aulia Fathurrahman (runner).
• Erika Richardo (painter).
• Angga Yunanda (actor).
• Jerome Polin Sijabat (YouTuber).

Carbo loading, or carbohydrate loading, is the practice of increasing carbohydrate intake for runners to raise glycogen levels in muscles before undertaking long-distance running, such as a marathon.