12,000 Runners Participate in Inclusive Merdeka Run 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – To celebrate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary, the Indonesian government held Merdeka Run 2026 in Jakarta on Saturday, August 29, 2026. This year’s Merdeka Run featured an 8-kilometer route for the general public, taking participants through major roads in Indonesia’s largest city.

Indonesian Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said Merdeka Run 2026 was part of the public’s spirit of celebrating Independence Month through sports. He said more than 12,000 runners took part in the event.

“Still in August, the month of independence. Together with more than 12,000 runners, we are once again celebrating Indonesia’s independence,” Cabinet Secretary Teddy said in a written statement.

Merdeka Run 2026 also provided a dedicated category for people with disabilities. Following the general category, the event continued with a 2.5-kilometer route specifically designed for participants with special needs.

“It began with an 8-kilometer route for the general participants, followed by a 2.5-kilometer route for our brothers and sisters with special needs,” Teddy continued, as quoted by the Indonesian Presidential Secretariat.

According to the secretariat, the inclusion of the category reinforced the spirit of inclusivity in the Independence Day celebrations. It also said Merdeka Run provided an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds and with different abilities to move together, maintain their health, and share in a sense of togetherness.

“Everyone moving, everyone healthy, everyone is full of spirit,” Teddy said.