Indonesian Army Clarifies Jogja Marathon Incident: Brigadier General Yuniar's Aide's Bib Came Loose

The Indonesian Army has explained a viral incident involving a senior army officer who brought his aide to the Mandiri Jogja Marathon 2026 on Sunday (21/6). The incident was recorded on video and spread on social media. Head of the Army Information Service, Brigadier General TNI Donny Pramono, identified the senior officer as Brigadier General Yuniar Dwi Hantono, Commander of the 072/Pamungkas Military Resort Command. In the incident, Yuniar’s aide was pulled out of the marathon arena for not wearing a BIB, the participant identification number required to be displayed on the runner’s chest or back. The committee’s decision was then 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 track supervisor and the aide of the Commander of the 072/Pamungkas Military Resort Command during the activity,” Donny said. Donny explained that Yuniar was participating in the marathon with his wife, one child, and his aide. They were registered as participants and held official tickets from the marathon organiser. Therefore, all four received BIBs that were required to be worn during the marathon. However, the aide’s BIB fell off along the route while the race was still in progress. “During the event, it is suspected that the participant number came loose while on a very crowded track, causing a misunderstanding during the inspection by the officer,” Donny revealed. This situation forced the committee to stop the aide, who was running while documenting Yuniar during the race. The event was recorded on social media. Yuniar appeared to be in a tense exchange with the committee because he did not accept his aide being stopped mid-race. “After the incident, the organiser, event organiser, and the Commander of the 072/Pamungkas Military Resort Command communicated and clarified the matter directly. All parties understand that the incident was purely a technical issue on the ground and has been resolved amicably,” Donny stated. The Army also expressed appreciation for the committee’s professional work in maintaining order and enforcing the applicable rules during the race. Following the incident, Donny expressed hope that the public would understand the event wisely and not be drawn into 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,” Donny said.