Jakarta, July 31 -- The government will once again hold the Merdeka Run, a free public fun run featuring four race categories, as part of celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day.

Deputy State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro said at a press conference at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Friday that the event is designed to encourage everyone to participate in the nation's Independence Day celebrations.

"The Merdeka Run is a fun run that invites all members of the public to participate," Juri said.

He said the 2026 Merdeka Run will start in front of the Merdeka Palace and feature four race distances: 1 kilometer, 5 kilometers, 8 kilometers, and 10 kilometers.

Participants will not be charged a re...