From Wheelchair Racers to National Athletes: Spirit of Togetherness at Merdeka Run 2026
The finish line at Merdeka Run 2026 on Saturday morning (8/29) not only recorded the fastest finish time but also captured moments of happiness, determination, and spirit to keep going. From wheelchair racers to national athletes, each interpreted independence in their own way.
One of the wheelchair racers was Fandi Akhmad from Jakarta, recorded as the first finisher in the category. To him, the result became a source of pride and added a new experience in his running journey.
“I am proud. This is my several times joining a fun run. So, I am very glad,” he admitted after crossing the finish line.
More than a first finisher, Fandi interpreted the Merdeka Run as a new opportunity for people with disabilities. The wheelchair category marked the spirit of inclusivity.
“When the committee opened the wheelchair category, this event became more inclusive,” he explained.
Fandi hoped the same opportunity would still be open and encourage more people to join. “I hope, in the upcoming years, the event will be held and encourage more people with disabilities to join, even from the wheelchair category or other disabilities.”
Meanwhile, Wini Nurkustiah from Cikarang also felt the excitement. Unlike Fandi, Merdeka Run became her first experience. Her everyday practice contributed to her achievement of finishing second in the wheelchair women’s category.
“I am very excited. This is my first experience,” Wini admitted.
During the Independence Day celebration series, she gave a message to fellow disabled people to keep moving forward and believe in themselves. “We can do it!” she emphasized.
Another story came from Agus Prayogo. An experienced athlete who finished first in the master men’s category, a 40+ racers category. Although this year marked the second time, this was his first time joining Merdeka Run. He enjoyed a sterile and flat track, as well as the people’s excitement.
“I am so happy this morning; the track is sterile and flat. And the people’s excitement is extraordinary,” he expressed.
Running in celebration of the 81st Independence Day gave it special meaning. He wished the Merdeka Run would become an annual event highly anticipated by runners across Indonesia.
The euphoria also left a lasting impression on Odekta Elvina Naibaho. A Jakarta athlete, originally from West Sumatra province, recorded being the first finisher in the women’s category. The shout of her name from spectators made her finishing journey feel different.
“Surely, I am very proud as I witnessed the remarkable euphoria and spirit. The route is clear, and that gave me goosebumps throughout the entire route,” she claimed.
She also wished for the same excitement for the coming years. Odekta also gave a message to all young athletes across the country to never give up and keep pursuing higher achievements.
“Hopefully, your motivation gets higher; you can outshine me and keep the spirit up in any situation. Never give up; anyone can become anything,” she said.
From Fandi and Wini, who raced with wheelchairs, to Agus and Odekta, who raced in the first line, Merdeka Run 2026 presented the same spirit: an opportunity to keep going and be the best, celebrating Independence Day together. Because at the finish line that morning, winning was not only about who finished first, but also about the courage to start and believe that everyone has every opportunity to move forward.
Merdeka Run 2026 became an illustration of the meaning of independence. That is, every person has every right to take action, every opportunity to be the best, and every courage to finish their lines.
On the track of Merdeka Run 2026, everyone has space. Everyone has an opportunity, and everyone moves together for Indonesia. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/AW)
