Gov’t Speeds Up Sport Infrastructure Development in Papua Ahead of National Game

President Jokowi accompanied by Vice President, Minister of State Secretary, and Cabinet Secretary, leads a Limited Cabinet Meeting on the Preparation of the National Games (PON) and the National Paralympics Games (Peparnas) at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Monday (26/8). (Photo by: Fitri S/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi Widodo has ordered his Cabinet to accelerate construction of sport infrastructure and facilities ahead of this year’s National Games (PON), which the biggest national sporting event in the country.

“PON is more than just a sporting competition. It is also an opportunity to celebrate diversity and to strengthen our unity and brotherhood as a nation,” President Jokowi said in his introductory remark at the Limited Cabinet Meeting on Preparation of the upcoming National Games (PON) and the 2020 National Paralympics Games (Peparnas) in Papua Province at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Monday (26/8).

President Jokowi added that the acceleration of infrastructure development will start from the construction of sports venues, non-venues, and the accommodation for athletes and officials, adding that he has also instructed his ministers and Papua governor to conduct periodic evaluations on the development progress on the ground.

“I have instructed several ministers and Governor of Papua to continue monitoring the progress of ongoing infrastructure development,” he said.

The President also told Papua Governor to use of sports infrastructure not only during the Games but also after the event, for example to  train Papuan children to improve their talent in sports. “Sports facilities and infrastructure should continue to be used even after PON and Peparnas event are over,” the President said, adding that the land of Papua will give birth to great talents in the field of sports, such as football and athletics.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also asked the report on the progress of the preparation for the 2020 Peparnas. (HIM / FID / ES)

Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Edited by: Rany Anjany/M. Ersan Pamungkas