XX PON in Papua Has Big Meaning for Indonesia

It's hard to believe that the XX National Sports Week (PON) in Papua is only 109 days away. The publication of PON XX, which was held on October 2-15, 2021, has filled the videotrons of various strategic places in the capital. No wonder the festivities extend beyond Papua. Because PON is an important activity for Indonesia.

Not only was he instrumental in the struggle for Indonesian independence, but the XX PON has another big meaning. "This PON has one big meaning," explained the General Chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Center Lt. Gen. TNI (Ret.) Marciano Norman, Tuesday (15/6/2021).

The first meaning is as a momentum for the awakening of the Indonesian nation from the Covid-19 pandemic. "I hope this PON motivates the Indonesian nation," he hoped.

The success of PON XX which implements strict health protocols will prove that we can remain productive even though we are still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The XX PON in Papua is being prepared as well as possible in terms of breaking the chain of the spread of Covid-19. "All athletes in the area who will go to Papua, they must be vaccinated, then people living around sports venues on the orders of President Jokowi must be vaccinated," he explained about all parties involved in XX PON. In addition, of course, it must also be followed by the implementation of strict health protocols.

Hoping for PON XX as a momentum for revival, Marciano is very focused on the Covid-19 issue. "We don't want PON XX Papua to create new problems that result in a spike in cases," said the General Chairperson of the Central KONI. Most of the achievement sports community hope that the success of PON XX will have an impact on the revival of factual sports competition.

Not only meaning in relation to Covid-19, PON XX also has meaning related to the unity, unity and justice of the Indonesian nation. PON is a moment to unite Indonesia through sports. A total of 34 contingents from all provinces in Indonesia will be in a place to compete, not only regional competition but also strengthening. The best athletes with a winning mentality from all provinces will continue the struggle to raise the Red and White flag in the international arena.

There is a valuable message at the PON which was first held in Papua. "PON Papua gives a very special message in the sense that so far it has been raised that Papua is not safe and needs international attention, we show that we can present 34 contingents, I believe the Papuan people can be good hosts," he said. "The Indonesian government can make the same thing with the same quality," he continued that PON XX Papua is a form of government justice.

Talking about fairness, the organizers of PON XX also pay attention to the accommodation standards of PON XX participants even though it takes extra effort. "Preparing accommodation is important considering that in Papua it is not the same as the previous PON, what we are preparing is a 3-star hotel or a 3-star class. We are preparing to use TNI and Polri facilities as well as existing local government facilities to accommodate the existing contingent," said Marciano. at the KONI Headquarters.

SOURCE: https://m.harianterbit.com/read/135850/Ketum-KONI-Pusat-PON-XX-di-Papua-Bermakna-Big-for-Indonesia