Kompas.com reports how an indefatigable husband-wife team from Indonesia is doing an epic run from Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta to Bali to raise funds for the feeding and care of children in the Gaza Strip. Hendra Siswanto (45) and Patricia Lisa (45) are undertaking a 16-day run covering 1,100 kilometers, accompanied by Indian runner Ankit Kumar (31).
The run to feed children in Palestine began on 2 August at the iconic Horse Statue (Patung Kuda) in Jakarta and will end on 17 August on Pantai German in Kuta, Bali. Patricia told the press, “Because the runners are Indonesian and Indian, we are simultaneously celebrating the Independence Days of both nations.” Indonesia’s Independence Day is on 17 August, while India’s Independence Day falls on 15 August.
The fundraising mission originates from an idea suggested by Ankit, inspired by the historic 250-kilometer run of Diego Yanuar in the Sahara Desert in 2025.
Patricia continued: “This was Ankit’s idea. Ankit is a vegetarian who participates in various humanitarian projects. Over the past year, he has donated part of his income to the World Food Program for Gaza.”
Although Patricia Lisa is not a professional runner and prefers long-distance cycling, she readily accepted the challenge of the Jakarta to Bali fundraising run. Before her historic run, the longest distance she had run was 200 kilometers accompanying her husband. She admits that the chance to raise funds to alleviate suffering and campaign for peace in Palestine was impossible to refuse.
Hendra, also known as “Hensis,” the other half of the humanitarian husband-wife running duo, has been a long-distance running enthusiast since 2014. Since 2017, he has employed running as a means to raise funds for needy children. Earlier, Ankit invited Hensis to join the “Miles for Meals” running movement. Hensis is targeting a “personal best” of running 1,600 kilometers in 2025. As part of his training regime, Hensis has increased his weekly target of 70 kilometers to 200 kilometers.
The Jakarta to Bali charity run for Gaza is expected to raise hundreds of millions of rupiah to feed the hungry in Gaza.
Related Links
Bali Maybank Mararthon on Sunday, 24 August 2025
PACTO DMC Supports Equitable Water Access
Stay Informed on Bali Tourism-Related News: Subscribe to Bali Update
