Public Voices Support for Disabled Children's Equality Through Run for Equality 2026
Jakarta (ANTARA) - A total of 1,670 people took part in Run for Equality 2026 to campaign for equality and the fulfilment of children’s rights, including those of children with disabilities, to play, participate and grow without discrimination.
The event, organised by Plan Indonesia at Senayan Park, Jakarta, on Sunday, was joined by children, families, running communities, persons with disabilities, educational institutions and corporations.
“We want to encourage the creation of more inclusive sporting and public spaces so that every child and young person, including children with disabilities, has an equal opportunity to participate, play and develop without discrimination,” said Plan Indonesia Executive Director Dini Widiastusi in an official statement in Jakarta on Sunday.
The theme was chosen because 2025 data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) and the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) revealed that only 17.2 per cent of persons with disabilities of productive age access formal education.
In addition, more than half of persons with disabilities still face barriers in accessing basic services, ranging from education, health and employment to safe and inclusive public spaces.
Echoing Dini, Commissioner of the National Disability Commission (KND), Jonna Aman Damanik, emphasised that inclusivity must be realised through real experiences, including in sporting activities.
“Sport is everyone’s right. Inclusivity must also be realised by ensuring that children with disabilities can participate meaningfully, safely and equally. Initiatives like Run for Equality are an important step towards building awareness that public spaces must be accessible to all,” said Jonna.
Meanwhile, artist and celebrity Wulan Guritno felt the event carried a message urging parents and caregivers to lovingly continue supporting children with disabilities so they feel brave enough to try, develop and enjoy every step they take.
“Hopefully there will be more and more inclusive sporting and public spaces, so that every child and family can feel accepted, supported and part of society without discrimination,” said Wulan Guritno.
The meaning of inclusion was felt directly by Zahra (16), a participant with a disability who took part in the 3K category.
“Here I feel accepted and not seen as different. We also want to exercise, socialise and show that people with disabilities have the same abilities if given the opportunity. Hopefully there will be more genuinely inclusive activities and public spaces, so that more friends with disabilities feel confident to go out, participate and show their best potential,” said Zahra.