Merdeka Run 2026 Supported by President Prabowo, Minister Erick Appreciates Enthusiasm of 12,000 Participants

Youth and Sports Minister of the Republic of Indonesia (Menpora RI), Erick Thohir, admitted he was proud and moved to see the high level of public enthusiasm in the Merdeka Run 2026 event held to enliven the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The mass running event recorded a significant surge in participants from the initial target of 8,000 people, now reaching 12,000 participants, including the involvement of disabled groups who successfully completed the race to the finish line.

“Happy, proud, moved. This year’s Merdeka Run was extraordinarily successful. The participants, which were originally eight thousand, became twelve thousand. The participants received medals,” said Minister Erick in the National Monument (Monas) area, Jakarta, Saturday (29/8/2026).

Minister Erick also expressed his gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto for his full support of the Merdeka Run 2026. Not only that, the participants were also enthusiastic about the fighter jet attraction, drone show, and parachuting action.

Furthermore, Minister Erick appreciated the public’s growing awareness of the importance of maintaining physical fitness through running.

“Thank you to the public for providing a reflection of healthy living. Exercising is part of an investment in the future, namely health,” said Minister Erick.

This year’s Merdeka Run event was also utilised as a warm-up or try-out facility for a number of national male and female runners who will compete on the international stage.

In addition to the athletes, the Indonesian National Team Coach, Jhon Herdman, along with a number of public figures and running sports activists such as Gisella Anastasia and Fanny Ghasani were also present to enliven the activity.

“We invited national male and female athletes who will compete in the 2026 Asian Games and or others to start preparing themselves, because the Asian Games are only a few weeks away. The public figures who attended are also genuine runners, not just jumping on the bandwagon, thank you for the enthusiasm,” said Erick.