Army Explains Brigadier General Yuniar Purchased Four Tickets for Jogja Marathon

The Indonesian Army has provided an explanation regarding a viral incident involving Danrem 072/Pamungkas Brigadier General Yuniar Dwi Hantono and his aide during the Mandiri Jogja Marathon 2026 on Sunday (21/6).

Head of Army Public Information (Kadispenad) Brigadier General TNI Donny Pramono revealed that the senior Army officer had actually purchased four tickets, for himself, his aide, his wife, and his child.

In the incident, Yuniar’s aide was pulled out of the marathon arena for not wearing a BIB, or participant identification number, which is mandatory to be affixed to the runner’s chest or back. The committee’s decision was subsequently protested by Brigadier General Yuniar.

According to Donny, the incident between the organising committee and Yuniar was triggered by a misunderstanding.

“We can explain that the incident was a misunderstanding that occurred on the ground between the course marshals and the aide of Danrem 072/Pamungkas during the event,” said Donny.

Donny explained that Yuniar was participating in the marathon with his wife, one child, and his aide. They were, he said, registered as participants and held official tickets from the marathon organiser.

Therefore, all four received BIBs or participant identification numbers that must be attached to the body during the marathon. However, the aide’s BIB fell off along the route while the race was still in progress.

“During the execution, it is suspected that the participant number came loose while on a fairly crowded course, causing a misunderstanding during inspection by officials,” said Donny.

This situation forced the committee to stop the aide, who was running while documenting Yuniar during the race.

The incident was recorded on social media. Yuniar appeared to be in a tense standoff with the committee, unwilling to accept that his aide had been stopped mid-course.

“After the incident, the organiser, event organiser, and Danrem 072/Pamungkas held direct communication and clarification. All parties understand that the incident was purely a technical issue on the ground and it has been resolved amicably,” said Donny.

The Army also expressed appreciation for the committee’s work in professionally maintaining order and enforcing the applicable regulations during the race.

In light of the event, Donny urged the public to understand the incident wisely and not fall prey to unconfirmed facts.

“We hope the public can view this incident proportionally and not link it to other matters that do not align with the actual facts,” said Donny.