The Benefits of Running Activities to Strengthen Inclusive Sports Space for Children with Disabilities

JAKARTA - Creating a safe and equal space for all children, especially girls and the disabled, must continue to be carried out. This is because although the rights of people with disabilities are guaranteed, various challenges are still found in daily life.

Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture shows that only 17.2 percent of productive disabled people have access to normal education.

In addition, more than half of people with disabilities in Indonesia still face obstacles in accessing basic services such as education, health, to inclusive and safe public spaces for activities, including exercise.

"Inclusiveness is not only about bringing people with disabilities into an activity, but ensuring that they can participate meaningfully, safely, and equally," said Komnas Disabilitas Commissioner, Jonna Aman Damanik, in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

One of the activities that can help strengthen the inclusive sports space for children with disabilities is the run or fun run. Such as the Run for Equality 2026, which will be presented by Plan Indonesia on July 26, 2026 at Senayan Park.

The running activity carries the spirit of Equal Steps, Equal Play, Run for Equality 2026, with 3K, 5K, and 10K distance categories. This activity is expected to further encourage the creation of sports and public spaces where everyone can participate, including people with disabilities.

"Through Run for Equality 2026, we want to encourage the creation of more inclusive sports and public spaces, where every child and young person, including those with disabilities, has the same opportunity to participate, play, and develop without discrimination," explained Plan Indonesia's Executive Director, Dini Widiastuti.

For people with disabilities, running has a meaning beyond just a sporting activity. The activity makes them feel accepted and trusted to be able to participate like other people.

"Run for Equality makes me feel accepted and trusted that I can also participate like others. Hopefully, there will be more welcoming and inclusive spaces for disabled friends so that we can be more confident and brave to show our potential," said a participant with a rare disease (seckel syndrome), Mama Diva.

Meanwhile, in addition to raising the issue of equality and inclusion, Run For Equality 2026 also presents a fundraising campaign to support the provision of assistive devices and facilities for children with disabilities in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) through the Kitabisa.com platform.

"In addition to contributing to helping children in NTT, each participant automatically contributes to protecting each other together with SalingJaga, which gives participants life and accident protection benefits for the next one year," concluded the CEO of the Kitabisa Group, Vikra Ijas.