Gov’t Prepares Aceh-North Sumatra National Games 2024
President Jokowi accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung and Minister of State Secretary Pratikno enters limited meeting’s venue at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (10/09). (Photo by: Rahmat/PR)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Monday (10/09) led a limited meeting on preparations of the 21st Aceh-North Sumatra National Games (PON) 2024, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.
Deputy General Chairperson of the Central Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Soewarno said that the process of building and rehabilitating a number of venues that will be used for the 21st PON is currently underway in the two host provinces—Aceh and North Sumatra.
The projects were carried out using the state budget through Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) as well as the regional budgets.
“In the near future, construction project will be carried out in Aceh for renovation of thirteen venues and construction of one new venue for rowing sport. Ministry of PUPR is in charge of it and they are projected to be finished no later than the end of July or August next year,” said Soewarno.
Apart from the thirteen venues, Soewarno added, there are also a number of venues in Aceh which were renovated using the regional budget.
“Hopefully it will be completed on time since it is only minor renovation,” he said.
Meanwhile in North Sumatra, Soewarno continued, the project includes construction of an intermediate stadium for athletics and a venue for martial arts located in Sena Village, Deli Serdang.
Apart from that, currently PON qualifying rounds are being held for a number of sports. According to Soewarno, the total number of sports that will be competed in is 65 sports.
“Seeing these progress, we are optimistic that PON will surely be held next year,” he said.
On the same occasion, Minister of Communications and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi said that his ministry will ensure the readiness of telecommunications and public communications infrastructure to support this national sporting event.
“The Ministry has prepared the facilities, including the coverage, the broadcasting, the signals for media partners so that the journalists can have smooth connection,” said Budi.
Even though this is the first time for the two provinces to hold such national event, Budi expressed optimism that the 21st PON, which is slated to be held in September 2024, can be held well without any problems. (TGH/DND/UN) (EST/MUR)
