Merdeka Run 2026 in Jakarta draws more than 12,000 runners

Merdeka Run 2026 in Jakarta drew more than 12,000 runners on Saturday (29/8) as the closing event of the 2026 Independence Month series. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the event was a way to celebrate the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence through sports. Organizers set an 8-kilometer route for general participants, starting in front of Istana Merdeka and passing Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, MH Thamrin, Bundaran HI, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman and Dukuh Atas before returning toward the palace. After the general category, the event continued with a 2.5-kilometer race for participants with disabilities. Public figures who joined the event included Raffi Ahmad, Gisella Anastasia, Fanny Ghassani, John Herdman and Ivar Jenner.