IKN stages carnival with 30 groups and 3,000-run night event

Ibu Kota Nusantara held a Cultural Carnival and Merdeka Night Run in Penajam Paser Utara, Kalimantan Timur, on Saturday, 15 August 2026, as part of the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence. A total of 30 carnival groups from across Kalimantan Timur took part, wearing traditional clothing from a range of ethnic groups in Indonesia. In the evening, about 3.000 participants joined the Merdeka Night Run. Otorita IKN chief Basuki Hadimuljono helped send off the carnival groups. Several performers also presented Reog Ponorogo art. According to organizers, the events were not only meant to mark Indonesia's Independence Day, but also to help strengthen social interaction in Nusantara.