Merdeka Run 2026 to be held in Jakarta, traffic adjustments announced

Jakarta is preparing to host the Merdeka Run 2026, an 8-kilometer race scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026. The event, a key part of Indonesia's independence day celebrations, will commence in front of the Merdeka Palace, bringing a festive sporting atmosphere to the heart of the capital.

To ensure the smooth execution of the race, traffic management authorities, including the Directorate of Traffic Polda Metro Jaya, will implement situational closures and diversions. These measures are planned to be in effect from 2:00 AM Western Indonesian Time (WIB) until the event concludes, affecting the Monas area and the Sudirman-Thamrin corridor.

Participants and the public are advised to plan their travel accordingly. For those arriving by private vehicle, official parking areas have been designated at locations such as the IRTI Monas parking lot, Silang Monas Tenggara, Silang Monas Timur Laut, Gambir Station, the National Library, and Istiqlal Mosque. VIP parking will be available at the Supreme Court.

Motorists seeking to navigate around the event area will have access to alternative routes. These include Jalan Rasuna Said via Jalan HOS Cokroaminoto to Tugu Tani, Jalan KH Mas Mansyur via Jalan Cideng Barat to Simpang Harmoni, and for those coming from Tomang, the route via Jalan Tomang Raya to Simpang Harmoni.

Organizers encourage participants and attendees to maintain order, follow instructions from event officials and police, and utilize the provided parking facilities. The Merdeka Run 2026 aims to be not only a sporting event but also a moment for the community to celebrate national independence.