Cultural Carnival and Night Run Mark 81st Independence Day in Nusantara

Nusantara (IKN), Indonesia's future capital, buzzed with activity as it hosted celebrations for the nation's 81st Independence Day on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The festivities included a vibrant Cultural Carnival and a spirited Merdeka Night Run, drawing significant participation.

The Cultural Carnival featured 30 distinct groups from across East Kalimantan, showcasing the rich diversity of Indonesian traditional clothing. Participants proudly displayed the cultural heritage of various ethnic groups, adding a colorful and meaningful dimension to the independence day commemoration.

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A total of 30 carnival groups, consisting of people from the East Kalimantan region, participated in enlivening the series of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day by displaying traditional attire from various ethnic groups in Indonesia.

Following the carnival, the Merdeka Night Run took place, attracting around 3,000 runners. This event was organized by the IKN Authority not only as part of the independence day celebrations but also as an initiative to foster social interaction and community building within the developing capital city.

Basuki Hadimuljono, Head of the IKN Authority, was present to flag off participants in the Cultural Carnival, underscoring the event's importance. Both the carnival and the night run aimed to infuse the spirit of independence and unity among residents and visitors in Nusantara.

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The IKN Authority organized the Merdeka Night Run, which was attended by approximately 3,000 participants, as a series of celebrations for the 81st Indonesian Independence Day and as an effort to strengthen social interaction in Nusantara.