12,000 Participate in Jakarta's Merdeka Run 2026

Jakarta's streets were alive with activity as approximately 12,000 participants took part in the Merdeka Run 2026 on Saturday, August 29.

The 8-kilometer race commenced in front of the Merdeka Palace, with the flag-off ceremony led by Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir, and Secretary of the Cabinet Teddy Indra Wijaya. The event began with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, "Indonesia Raya," and the raising of the national flag, followed by a flyover of three F-16 fighter jets.

Organized as the concluding event for the 2026 Independence Month festivities, the Merdeka Run offered several categories, including general, family, master, and wheelchair divisions. The route spanned 8 kilometers, starting at the Merdeka Palace and proceeding through major Jakarta thoroughfares such as Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, Jalan MH Thamrin, Bundaran HI, and Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, before returning to the palace.

A number of public figures joined the run, including Presidential Special Envoy for Youth Development and the Arts Raffi Ahmad, singer Gisella Anastasia, actress Fanny Ghassani, and national football team coach John Herdman, along with player Ivar Jenner. The event also featured performances by Wali Band and Moluccan Soul, numerous MSMEs selling various products, and attractive door prizes.

To facilitate the race, several roads were temporarily closed from approximately 4:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. The Merdeka Run 2026 was further enhanced by a spectacular drone display, with 14,000 drones illuminating the sky.