IPEKA Balikpapan Christian School held IPEKA ARUNIKA 5K FUN RUN, a 5 KM running event open to the public, on Saturday, August 31, 2024. This event is full of meanings, because in addition to sparking the spirit of togetherness and fitness, it is also part of a series of IPEKA Balikpapan's 25/26 Academic Year Open House events, and IPEKA's 45th Anniversary celebration.
The name ARUNIKA, which means 'Adu Raga untuk Ika' or 'Competing for Unity', emphasizes the importance of togetherness and unity in every step of the participants. With an on-road route around Grand City Balikpapan, the event was attended by around 1,000 participants, both from IPEKA's internal circles and the general public, with the start and finish at IPEKA Balikpapan Christian School.
The Principal of IPEKA Balikpapan Christian Senior High School, Etti Hartiwi, said that IPEKA ARUNIKA is a tangible manifestation of the school's commitment to contribute positively to the Balikpapan and surrounding communities.
“This event is not only a sporting event, but also a means to strengthen the relationship between the school and the wider community, as well as an expression of gratitude for all the goodness that God has given during IPEKA's 45-year journey. Through IPEKA ARUNIKA, we want to instill the importance of awareness on healthy lifestyle, happiness, and unity,” said Etti.
In particular, IPEKA ARUNIKA also invited the East Kalimantan Provincial Education Office and all junior and senior high school students in Balikpapan to participate. Excitingly, this running event also invites participants with special needs.
“Children with special needs have the same opportunity in terms of education and achievement. We want IPEKA ARUNIKA to also be a place for children with special needs to continue working and achieving, especially in the field of sports,” Etti hoped.
IPEKA ARUNIKA was initiated and prepared by the IPEKA Balikpapan Intra-School Student Organization (OSIS) and volunteers from students, teachers, and staff of IPEKA Balikpapan Christian School. In its implementation, IPEKA ARUNIKA cooperated with IndoRunners Balikpapan running community, as well as Grand City Balikpapan and the local police to ensure the smooth running of the event.
In order to protect the runners, all IPEKA ARUNIKA participants received insurance protection. In addition, ambulance units and medical personnel from local hospitals were also on standby to serve the medical needs of the runners during the event.
IPEKA ARUNIKA Committee Chairman, Gilbert Kinben Rushen Tjioe, from Grade 12 IPA 1, expressed his hopes for this event. “Through the spirit of Adu Raga untuk Ika or Bertanding untuk Bersatu, we invite all people, especially students in Balikpapan to unite in sports while competing and promoting a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
The ticket price for IPEKA ARUNIKA 5K Fun Run participants is Rp80,000 per person. Each participant will receive a medal, water and refreshments, and the opportunity to get a jersey for the top 100 finishers, as well as attractive prizes for three winners from each male and female category. Not only that, interesting door prizes are also provided for IPEKA ARUNIKA participants.
In addition to the Fun Run, the event was also enlivened by various performances of IPEKA Balikpapan students from kindergarten to high school level. The students performed dance, band, and ukulele music. The Open House event, which is part of a series of IPEKA ARUNIKA activities, will be held on September 7, 2024 as an event to accept new students for the 2025/2026 academic year.
