PON Strengthens Solidarity Among Regions, President Jokowi Says
Presidet Jokowi leads a Limited Meeting on the preparation of the 20th National Sports Week in 2020, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Friday (17/1). (Photo: Jay/PR)
The spirit of the 20th edition of multi-sport event National Sports Week (PON) to be held in Papua province this year is not merely for competition, but also to enhance brotherhood, unity and solidarity between regions, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.
“At the same time, we want to show the world that the land of Papua is home to many great talents in sports,” President Jokowi said during a limited cabinet meeting at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Friday (17/1).
For the record, the PON will be held from 20 October until 2 November this year.
“There are only 276 days left until the event. I want to get a thorough report on the development of the supporting infrastructure, including the venues and non-venues facilities, as well as the readiness of accommodation for approximately 9411 athletes and officials who will take part in the event,” the President said.
On that occasion, the President also said that he has received a report from the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) regarding their decision to reduce the number of sports from 40 to 37 sports with 678 matches.
“In addition, the venues of the matches will also be centered in 4 regions, namely Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, Mimika Regency, and Merauke Regency,” the President said, adding that the newly-built infrastructure should also be used for other events, not only for the PON.
“Do not let the sports facilities and infrastructures that have been built with a high cost be abandoned and cannot be utilized anymore.
Therefore, I remind Governor of Papua to design plans to utilize those sports infrastructure, especially for nurturing talents of Papuan children in sports,” the President said.
The National Sports Week is held every four years, with the first edition held in the Central Java town of Solo in 1948. (TGH/SM/EN)
Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
