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Indonesia's 81st Independence Day Features Merdeka Run and Flag Campaign
Indonesia is marking its 81st Independence Day in August 2026 with a nationwide programme under the theme “Indonesia Berdaulat, Adil, dan Makmur”. The government, through the Ministry of State Secretariat, launched a month‑long series of events that involve ministries, agencies, state‑owned enterprises, regional administrations, the armed forces and the police.
A free public “Merdeka Run” will be held on 29 August, starting from Merdeka Palace. The fun‑run offers 1 km, 5 km, 8 km and 10 km routes and is open to all, including foreign guests, embassy representatives and participants with disabilities, with a maximum of 8,000 runners.
Citizens have been urged to display the red‑white flag throughout August at homes, schools, offices and public spaces. A viral video showing the flag half‑masted sparked online debate, while organisations such as Kowani called for flag‑raising as a sign of national unity. Celebrations will take place in two cities and will invite prominent national figures.
Entities
Deputy State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro · Erick Thohir · Indonesia · Indonesian National Armed Forces · Istana Merdeka · Juri Ardiantoro · Kemenpora (Ministry of Youth and Sports) · Merdeka Palace · Merdeka Palace (Jakarta) · Merdeka Run · Ministry of State Secretariat · Ministry of State Secretariat (Indonesia)
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] President Prabowo Subianto will act as inspector of the Independence Day ceremony.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The theme for the 81st Independence Day is “Indonesia Berdaulat, Adil, dan Makmur”. www.jpnn.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Independence Day month program involves ministries, agencies, state‑owned enterprises, regional administrations, the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the National Police. en.antaranews.com · www.jpnn.com · gopos.id
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The government will open a public ticket program for up to 8,100 citizens to attend the Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace on 17 August 2026.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Independence Day ceremony on 17 August 2026 includes the Detik‑Detik Proklamasi and the flag‑lowering ceremony. www.jpnn.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Merdeka Run participants will receive finisher medals and prizes for winners. news.republika.co.id · en.antaranews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The government targets at least 8,100 participants for the Independence Day ceremony. www.jpnn.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Merdeka Run will be a free public fun run with distances of 1 km, 5 km, 8 km and 10 km starting from Merdeka Palace. news.republika.co.id · en.antaranews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The 2026 Independence Day theme is “Indonesia Berdaulat, Adil, dan Makmur”. gopos.id
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A free public Merdeka Run will be held on 29 August 2026, starting from Merdeka Palace. sports.okezone.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Merdeka Run offers 1 km, 5 km, 8 km and 10 km routes and is limited to 8,000 participants. sports.okezone.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Independence Day celebrations will be held in two cities and will invite prominent national figures. news.harianjogja.com