Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed this after joining the event. Alongside State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi and Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo, he flagged off the run near the Merdeka Palace at 6:30 a.m. local time.
“Through the Merdeka Run, the government sought to channel the spirit of Independence Day into activities beyond formal ceremonies, bringing citizens together in an event radiating positive energy,” Wijaya remarked.
He noted that running was chosen as part of the festivities to encourage more residents to embrace a healthy lifestyle by engaging in physical exercise.
“The number of participants exceeded the quota, as more than eight thousand people from Jakarta, its surroundings, and beyond came here to join us. Thank you to all citizens for showing such great spirit throughout the run. You are all amazing!” he told the public.
Wijaya also expressed hope that the wide range of activities organized to commemorate 80 years of independence would make August an even more exciting month for Indonesians in the future.
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Other top officials attending the event included Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid, Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Taufik Hidayat, Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto, and National Police Chief General Listyo Prabowo.
Throughout August, the government presented the public with a variety of events to mark the eight-decade milestone, peaking on August 17 when President Prabowo Subianto presided over a morning ceremony reenacting Indonesia’s independence proclamation at the Merdeka Palace.
The celebrations continued that day with public feasts, aerial attractions by the military and police, art performances, firework and drone shows, and a night parade.
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Translator: Genta T, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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