784 Polda Metro Jaya Personnel Deployed to Secure Merdeka Run 2026
Polda Metro Jaya has prepared security for Merdeka Run 2026, which is taking place in the Merdeka Palace area of Central Jakarta. A total of 784 personnel have been deployed.
Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro Jaya, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, said the measure was taken to support the smooth running of the entire event while ensuring the activities of residents along the route continue to run well.
“Polda Metro Jaya is present to provide services to participants, the committee, the public, and road users. We want the entire Merdeka Run series to take place in an orderly manner and provide a sense of comfort for everyone,” said Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto in a statement received on Saturday (29/8/2026).
Merdeka Run takes its main point in front of the Merdeka Palace. The route includes Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, Patung Kuda, Jalan M.H. Thamrin, Bundaran HI, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Dukuh Atas, and back towards the Palace area.
A total of 784 personnel have been prepared to support security and services during the event. Personnel are stationed at the start and finish areas, along the participant route, at road intersections, and at points requiring the presence of officers.
Traffic flow arrangements and engineering will be implemented situationally, adjusting to developments on the ground. Road users who will pass around the Merdeka Palace, Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, Patung Kuda, Jalan M.H. Thamrin, Bundaran HI, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, and Dukuh Atas are advised to adjust their travel times and follow the directions of officers.
In addition to maintaining the smoothness of the route, officers will also assist with public mobility and provide a rapid response should any conditions require handling during the event.
“We invite all participants and the public to enjoy Merdeka Run with a spirit of togetherness. Let us respect one another, follow directions on the ground, and together make this moment a healthy, positive, and enjoyable independence celebration,” concluded Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto.
Thousands of participants have crowded the Merdeka Palace area since dawn to take part in Merdeka Run 2026 as part of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day commemoration. Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi participated in flagging off the marathon event.
Monitoring by detikcom at the location on Saturday (29/8), the event began with the singing of the national anthem Indonesia Raya at 05.53 WIB. Participants faced towards the Palace with a perfect stance to sing Indonesia Raya.
The singing of Indonesia Raya was followed by the raising of the Red and White Flag. In addition to the Minister of Youth and Sports, State Secretary, and Cabinet Secretary, the President’s Special Envoy Raffi Ahmad and Gisella Anastasia also took part in the activity.
There were 12,000 runners participating in the event. The flag-off was led directly by the Minister of Youth and Sports, State Secretary, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy with the raising of the flag at exactly 06.00 WIB.
The State Secretary, Minister of Youth and Sports, and Cabinet Secretary were seen shaking hands with the passing runners. They also wore the event’s shirts.
Fighter jets coloured the sky over the Merdeka Palace area to enliven the event. The runners appeared enthusiastic as they ran and captured the moment with their mobile phones.
The event was also enlivened by the raising of the Red and White Flag by helicopter above the Palace, as well as drone formations and paratrooper manoeuvres.