From The Palace To The HI Roundabout, Residents Celebrate Independence By Running

The Presidential Palace together with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) held an 8.0K Merdeka Run in a series of Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia

The Presidential Palace together with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) held an 8.0K Merdeka Run in the series of Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Merdeka Run is a momentum for celebrating independence through sports involving thousands of people from various layers.

"First of all, of course, on behalf of the committee, we represent all of the committee's friends once again expressing our gratitude for the extraordinary participation of the community in the entire 80th series of Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia," said Minister Pras in his statement to the media crew.

"We want to be healthy to build Indonesia, to bring progress and prosperity to the community. Everyone must be healthy," he continued.

Merdeka Run presents two main categories, namely the general category as far as 8.0K and the family category as far as 4.5K. Both are open to the wider community to participate in making this moment not only a sporting event, but also a celebration of togetherness in the spirit of independence.

Prior to its implementation, the atmosphere was even more lively with the air attraction from a helicopter passing carrying a giant flag with the official logo of the 80th Anniversary, followed by the fly pass of the F16 Indonesian National Army (TNI) fighter aircraft. This performance was warmly welcomed by the running participants and the people who had filled the area around the Merdeka Palace since the morning.

Exactly at 06.30 WIB, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo officially released the participants to run. The general category 8.0K became the first to be released, followed by the 4.5K family category.

For the family run category 4.5K, the route starts from the front of the Merdeka Palace, crosses the horse statue area, rotates at the HI Roundabout, and returns to the Merdeka Palace as a finish line. Meanwhile, the general category of 8.0K took participants through a longer path starting from the Merdeka Palace to the HI Roundabout, crossing the Sudirman area to BNI City, then returning to the Merdeka Palace.

People who participate seemed enthusiastic about enjoying every moment, both in running and watching the atmosphere of excitement. Many participants also attended wearing attributes with red and white nuances. Some even wore costumes that added to the lively atmosphere of the 80th Anniversary.

Through Merdeka Run, the government wants to emphasize that the spirit of commemoration of independence is not only celebrated with a solemn ceremony, but also through activities that unite the community in positive energy. Sports is also chosen as a means to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for the community.