Merdeka Run 2026 Tickets Sell Out in Two Hours
Tickets for the Merdeka Run 2026 sold out within two hours of their official release, demonstrating the public’s high enthusiasm for celebrating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Registration opened on Wednesday (12/8) at 17.00 WIB.
Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Erick Thohir expressed his deep appreciation for the extraordinary public response. He stated that the speed of ticket sales reflects the strong spirit of citizens to celebrate independence through a healthy lifestyle. “Thank you to all Indonesian people who were so enthusiastic in welcoming the Merdeka Run. Tickets sold out in just two hours after registration opened. This shows the public’s incredible spirit for exercising while celebrating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia,” Erick said in an official statement on Wednesday (12/8).
The running event is scheduled to take place at the end of August, featuring an iconic route starting from the centre of a national symbol. Erick Thohir emphasised that the Merdeka Run 2026 is not merely a physical speed competition. The activity is designed as a moment of national unity and togetherness. He hopes that sport can become a space to strengthen brotherhood among citizens. “The Merdeka Run is not just about running. This is our moment to celebrate independence together with happiness, a spirit of togetherness, and unity. We want sport to become part of people’s lives,” he added.
Beyond focusing on health, the Merdeka Run 2026 also carries a mission to strengthen the national economy. The event will be enlivened by various entertainments and will involve Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) to sell their products. The Menpora stressed the importance of the multiplier effect from every major sporting event. By involving UMKM, it is hoped that the local economic wheel will turn along with the excitement of the independence celebration. “We want sporting events like this to also provide an economic impact so that the community and UMKM can move. Sport must provide wider benefits. A healthy society, a happy society, but the economy also moves. That is what we want to build through Merdeka Run,” Erick concluded.