Morning Run in the Philippines, PDIP's Hasto Reminds of the Self-Reliance Principle

Makati, VIVA – Amid the international agenda of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), the Secretary General of PDI Perjuangan (PDIP), Hasto Kristiyanto, continued to demonstrate a high level of discipline. On Friday morning, 27 March, Hasto started his day with a morning run through the business centre of Makati, Philippines. Starting from the Dusit Thani Hotel, the venue of the CALD event, Hasto appeared wearing a red T-shirt printed with “Soekarno Run”. The message on the T-shirt—“Run on Your Own Feet”—seemed to serve as an ideological statement in the heart of Manila’s city. Before setting off, Hasto performed thorough warm-up stretches in the hotel lobby area, ensuring his muscles were ready for the asphalt route through Makati towards Ayala Triangle Gardens. “Running in this T-shirt in a neighbouring country is a reminder that wherever we are, the principle of Berdikari or standing on one’s own feet must always be carried. This is not just exercise, but an inner practice to remain firm in the nation’s identity,” Hasto said during his warm-up. Not alone, Hasto was seen running accompanied by several PDIP staff and officials who were part of the CALD forum delegation. Hasto’s presence in the Philippines was to discuss crucial issues related to the challenges of democracy in Asia. For him, the morning run is not merely a hobby, but a way to maintain “Stamina for Democracy”. “Politics is truly a marathon, not a sprint. It requires long breath, endurance to face pressure, and steadfastness of heart to stay on the right path,” Hasto stated. Hasto himself used the running opportunity to learn about the situation in Makati in the morning. He noted that the enthusiasm for exercising among Jakarta residents is higher compared to the people of Manila, especially in Makati. “This is Friday morning; usually in Jakarta on Fridays, many residents exercise. Here, the enthusiasm is lower,” he said. Hasto also noted that public transport vehicles in the area are still dominated by fuel-powered cars rather than electric ones, so the smell of diesel in the air is quite noticeable. However, positively, the various high-rise buildings and skyscrapers in the Makati area do not have fences or barriers. “Thus, without fences and barriers, public space becomes even larger. This is good if it can be emulated for Jakarta’s city management,” Hasto said.