Run for Equality 2025 Jakarta: Thousands Rally for Disability Rights Through Inclusive Run

Jakarta, July 13th 2025 — More than 1,300 participants and supporters from diverse backgrounds gathered at Epiwalk Lifestyle, Jakarta, on Sunday morning (July 13) for Run for Equality 2025—a charity run that not only encouraged people to get moving physically but also aimed to spark social change toward a more equal and inclusive Indonesia, especially for persons with disabilities.

According to the 2024 National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas), approximately 22.8 million people—or 8.3 percent of the total population—are persons with disabilities. Data from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) in 2023 also recorded that around 4.3 million people live with moderate to severe disabilities in Indonesia, with the majority being adults and elderly. 

Although Law No. 8/2016 guarantees access to essential services for persons with disabilities, between 50 to 75 percent of them still face significant barriers to education, healthcare, and employment. As a result, 11.4 percent of people with disabilities live below the poverty line, and only 17.2 percent of those aged 15 and above have accessed formal education.

In response, Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (Plan Indonesia), in collaboration with the National Commission on Disabilities (KND), launched Run for Equality 2025—a movement designed to strengthen cross-sector collaboration in advancing the rights of children, women, and persons with disabilities.

“We are encouraged by the strong public enthusiasm for Run for Equality, which reinforces the idea that meaningful social change requires everyone’s participation. This event is a symbol that all people—regardless of physical ability, gender, or background—deserve equal space in society, including in sports,” said Dini Widiastuti, Executive Director of Plan Indonesia.

Echoing the same sentiment, Jonna Aman Damanik, Commissioner of the National Commission on Disabilities (KND), emphasized the urgent need for truly inclusive spaces across all areas of life—not just as a slogan. “To this day, persons with disabilities still face numerous barriers, from accessibility issues to social stigma. Through Run for Equality 2025, we demonstrate that inclusion is not just a concept—it’s a collective action,” Jonna asserted.

Also present at the event was renowned Indonesian model Kelly Tandiono, who served as a running buddy for participants with disabilities during the run. Joining her were several other public figures, including actor Yoshi Sudarso, actress Joanna Alexandra, fashion designers Amanda and Janna Soekasah, and many more.

Actor and martial artist Joe Taslim brought his signature energy to Run for Equality 2025, kicking off the race with a ceremonial flag-off and personally welcoming young participants at the finish line with medals. “I’ve always believed in the unifying power of sports,” said Joe. “Today’s run is not about who’s fastest, but how we move forward together—celebrating differences and creating fair spaces for everyone.”

One of the most powerful moments of the event came from Natrio Catra Yososha, a runner with a disability, who delivered a message of visibility and empowerment. “As a person with a disability, I want to show that we are capable and deserving of the same rights. Thank you to initiatives like this for giving us the space to be seen and valued. I hope more friends with disabilities can be included in public spaces everywhere,” he shared.

Held under the theme “Building Strong Families Through Sports and Play”, Run for Equality 2025 emphasized the importance of inclusive and supportive families as the foundation of a just and accessible society—especially for people with disabilities. To ensure full family participation, on-site daycare was provided, allowing children to play and learn in a safe, inclusive space while parents joined the run or engaged in dialogue sessions.

Excitement had already been building days before the main event, with the Family Fest on July 11–12 at Epiwalk Lifestyle Jakarta, which also served as race pack collection days. Thousands of visitors attended not just to pick up running kits but to join a series of talks and workshops on inclusive parenting, the resilience of children with disabilities during disasters, inclusive employment practices, sign language, and sensory play activities led by expert facilitators.

Run for Equality 2025 in Jakarta was made possible by the support of corporate partners including UNIQLO, Sanga-Sanga, FIF Group, Turkish Airlines, Epiwalk Lifestyle Mall, Epicentrum, and Roomansa, among others. The movement won’t stop in the capital—upcoming editions of the run are scheduled for Bandung (July 27), Kupang (September 14), and Makassar (November 9), continuing the momentum to promote equality across Indonesia.

To help fuel this movement, Plan Indonesia invites the public to take real action through community fundraising at Kitabisa.com/kitasetara2025. Donations will be used to create safe, inclusive spaces and increase participation of families with children with disabilities and their caregivers in the Run for Equality and other empowerment programs.

In addition, a portion of the event’s ticket sales will go toward the provision of prosthetic limbs for those in need, distributed in partnership with Puspadi Bali, a long-time ally of Plan Indonesia.