Observer: Merdeka Run Value as Effective Government Communication

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Political observer Hendri Satrium assesses that the Merdeka Run 2026 event, attended by over 12,000 participants in Jakarta on Saturday (29/8), constitutes a form of good public communication.

According to him, such an approach is more easily accepted by the public than government communication that is overly filled with slogans or self-praise regarding achievements.

“If the government organises an activity and the community wants to attend, that is good. It means the invitation has been received,” said Hensa, the familiar nickname for Hendri Satrio, in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday.

He expressed that the enthusiasm shown during the Merdeka Run could serve as an example that government communication does not always have to take place through speeches or the formal delivery of policies.

“Sometimes the government only needs to organise an interesting event where the community attends and everyone is happy. That is also communication. The important thing is that after the run is finished, the government must not run away from the people’s problems,” Hensa remarked.

“At the very least, the government is able to ensure this independence celebration is not merely about speeches, but that the community is also directly involved,” he added.

However, he cautioned that the large turnout for such an event should not be interpreted as a form of political support for the government.

“We should not assume that because 12,000 people attended, they are all expressing political support,” said Hensa.

“It is still August, the month of independence. Together with more than 12,000 runners, let us once again celebrate Indonesia’s independence,” said Teddy in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday (29/8).

This year’s Merdeka Run featured an 8-kilometre route for general participants. Thousands of runners from various backgrounds ran together in celebration of the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

In addition to the general category, the Merdeka Run also provided space for citizens with special needs. Following the general category, the event continued with a 2.5-kilometre route specifically for participants with special needs.