PON Papua Momentum Awakening of Achievements in the Middle of a Pandemic

Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Parliament M. Azis Syamsuddin revealed that the success of holding the XX 2021 National Sports Week (PON) is not just prestige in the field of organizing, but more than that it is a momentum to revive the achievements of each region amid the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a press release received by Parliament after a working visit to Bumi Cendrawasih, Papua, Wednesday (31/3/2021), the Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Coordinator for Political and Security Affairs (Korpolkam) stated that PON XX Papua 2021 will be remembered as history that will be recorded in the journey of the Indonesian nation.

"PON Papua must be a place to multiply the potential of athletes for the strength of the National Team (Timnas). The hope is that each region will actually send athletes who have the weight and potential to win in every sport. Once again, this is not limited to organizing prestige but the goal is still achievement. "said Azis.

The Chairperson of the Indonesian Cricket Association (PC PCI) Central Board reminded that PON XX Papua is the largest national level sports party in Indonesia. This prestigious national sports event which is held every four years is the largest sports event held outside Java and Sumatra.

"This is a historical record, since the first PON 1948 in Solo. The pride is more complete with new achievements, there are new records in every sports arena," said the Golkar Party politician.

Azis stated that the government, especially the Papua PON Grand Committee, is expected to be able to work optimally to help smooth the PON. On the other hand, he hopes the Papuan people can participate in the success of the five-year sporting event by maintaining security conditions.

From the dialogue, developing information and from the eyes in the field, Azis assessed that there is no longer any doubt in implementing the PON. "Papua is conducive and safe and people in Papua are ready to be good hosts to welcome national sports ambassadors," said Azis.

However, Azis still hopes that PB PON through the security sector can explain the security conditions to all participants including the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) so that Papua's readiness as the host will not be doubted.

Outside the context of organizing the PON, Azis assessed that Papua was progressively developing. This can be seen from the growth based on the human growth index (HDI) in Papua in 2020 so obvious. As well, it can be seen from the increase in Life Expectancy (UMH) which rose to 68.79 years, Expectancy for School Years (HLS) to 11.08 years.

Although, the average length of schooling (RLS) was 6.69 years and per capita expenditure which increased from 2018 to 2019 decreased due to Covid-19. "There are weaknesses, there are advantages, a reasonableness. Then, why the HDI conditions in the regencies / cities in Papua are not evenly distributed are clearly many factors. This is influenced by geography, social, culture and politics and security," he concluded.

SOURCE: https://www.dpr.go.id/berita/detail/id/32397/t/PON+Papua+Momentum+Kebangkitan+Prestasi+di+Tengah+Pandemi+