Minister: Supports of Papuan People Vital for Success of National Games, National Para Games

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD and Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian visit Papua’s provincial capital Jayapura, Saturday (11/09). (Photo by: Public Relations of Ministry of Home Affairs)

Supports from the Papuan people are some of the keys to the success of the 20^th National Games (PON) and 16^th National Para Games (Peparnas), Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD said.

“I hope the community will also feel the joy. Let’s join hands with the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), regional governments, who are currently intensifying vaccination efforts,” said Mahfud after an inspection on the readiness and security of the PON and Peparnas in Papua’s provincial capital Jayapura, Saturday (11/09).

These national sporting events are slated to be opened by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

To support the implementation of PON and Peparnas Papua, the Government prioritizes vaccination in four regencies and one city, namely Jayapura city, Jayapura regency, Mimika regency, Merauke regency, and Keerom regency.

“The Government aims to achieve 70 percent vaccination target, so the events can run safely and comfortably,” he said.

During this visit, Mahfud ensured the readiness of security and implementation of health protocols at several venues, including the swimming venue, Mandala Stadium, Cenderawasih Sports Center (GOR) in Jayapura city as well as Toware Gymnasium, Barnabas Youwe Sentani Stadium, cricket venue, and hockey field in Doyo Baru Sports Complex, Waibu district, Jayapura regency. In addition, he also inspected athlete’s dormitory in the 17^th Regional Training Regiment (Rindam XVII Cendrawasih).

“After my two-day visit to Jayapura city and Jayapura regency, in general conclusion, God willing, the 20^th  PON and 16^th Peparnas can be held properly according to the specified schedule. As for the preparation, be it physical preparation or anything related to this, it can be said that 95 percent has been completed, the remaining which is of a technical nature will be completed in the remaining time,” he said.

Mahfud also expressed gratitude to all elements involved in the preparation of these events.

After leaving Jayapura, Mahfud, accompanied by Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, continued his working visit to Merauke to inspect the security and readiness of several venues as well as the cross-border points at the eastern end of Indonesia. (Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs /UN) (FI/MUR)