A British runner has found his own way to celebrate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day, taking on an 81km run around Bali as a gesture of appreciation for the country he has come to call home.
Josh Berlari, known on Instagram as @joshberlari, completed the run at an average pace of 6 minutes and 57 seconds per kilometre. He finished the challenge in 9 hours and 23 minutes, covering a distance that matched Indonesia’s 81 years of independence.
While Josh is not an Indonesian citizen, he explained that the run was his way of showing respect and gratitude to the country and its people.
Rather than simply joining the celebrations as a spectator, he decided to mark the occasion through something close to him: running.
For Josh, the gesture was also about recognising the warm welcome he has received during his time in Indonesia. He said the country’s culture of hospitality has had a positive influence on him and helped him become a better person.
That sentiment gives the 81km run a meaning beyond the distance itself. It was not about claiming Indonesian identity, but about appreciating the people and culture that have made him feel welcome.
In his post, Josh explained why he wanted to take part in the Independence Day celebrations despite not being Indonesian. He saw the run as a way to honour Indonesia and thank the people who had welcomed him so warmly.
His message was simple: Indonesia has given him plenty to appreciate, and he wanted to give something back in his own way.
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How Expats Can Celebrate Independence Day in Bali
Josh’s run is also a reminder that celebrating Indonesian Independence Day does not have to mean being Indonesian. Expats and international residents living in Bali can take part in the festivities while respecting local traditions and communities.
There are plenty of ways to get involved. Joining neighbourhood activities is one of the easiest options, particularly the traditional 17 August games that take place in communities across the island.
Depending on the area, these can include sack races, tug-of-war and other friendly competitions.
Expats can also support local businesses, attend community events, learn more about Indonesian history or simply take the time to understand why Independence Day is important to the people around them.
For those who enjoy being active, organising a run, cycling trip or charity activity can also be a fitting way to mark the occasion. Josh’s 81km challenge may be difficult to replicate, but the idea behind it is much more accessible: find something you enjoy and use it as an opportunity to show appreciation for the country you are living in.
For expats in Bali, Independence Day can be a chance to connect with the local community rather than simply watch the celebrations from the sidelines.
And Josh certainly found his own way to join in. After 81km and more than nine hours on the road, his message to Indonesia was clear: respect, appreciation and a good dose of running.
British runner Josh Berlari found his own way to celebrate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day: by running 81km around Bali. He completed the distance in 9 hours and 23 minutes at an average pace of 6’57” per kilometre.
Josh said the run was his way of showing respect and gratitude to the Indonesian people, who have welcomed him warmly. He also shared that Indonesia’s culture of hospitality has helped shape him into a better person. You don’t have to be Indonesian to appreciate Indonesia, and Josh certainly found a memorable way to show it.
