Government Renovation 18 Venues In Aceh To Succeed XXI PON

JAKARTA - The XXI Aceh National Sports Week (PON)-North Sumatra 2024 is not just a competition for the biggest sport in Indonesia. Moreover, this event is a new milestone in the development of national sports achievements, as well as a long-term investment for regional development, in this case Aceh and North Sumatra.

Deputy for Sports Achievement Improvement of the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora), Surono, emphasized that both the central and regional governments have committed a significant budget to build and renovate various sports venues and facilities. This reflects the government's seriousness in providing adequate and international standard infrastructure.

One clear proof of the government's commitment is the renovation of 18 venues in Aceh. This effort is not only aimed at the success of PON XXI, but also to ensure that the infrastructure built can be utilized for various other sports activities in the future," explained Surono in the Merdeka 9 Forum (FMB9) with the theme PON XXI Aceh-North Sumatra Encourages Athletes' Achievements in the Middle of Islamic Sharia', Wednesday, August 21.

According to Surono, this facility is expected to continue to be used for the development of long-term athletes and host various competitions, both at the national and international levels.

"Every facilities and infrastructure that is built must be used in a sustainable manner for sports coaching and competitions," he said.

In addition, the Ministry of Youth and Sports also provides support in the form of sports and technical equipment. The budget allocated is quite large, with details of Rp138 billion for equipment in Aceh and Rp101 billion in North Sumatra.

In addition, a budget of IDR 74 billion in North Sumatra and IDR 72 billion in Aceh has been allocated for match equipment, including referees and judges. Then the Ministry of Youth and Sports also prepared a budget of IDR 60 billion for the opening ceremony in Aceh, while IDR 40 billion was allocated for the closing ceremony in North Sumatra.

With a different concept from before by involving two provinces at once, this PON presents different challenges and opportunities. The chairman of the XXI Aceh-Sumut PON Supervisory and Steering Committee, Major General TNI Retired. Dr. Suwarno, emphasized the importance of coordination and careful preparation in organizing the PON this time.

"Unlike the previous PON which involved only one province, the Aceh-North PON involved 10 districts/cities in each province. This of course requires more complex and intensive coordination," he explained.

Since the beginning, the committee has made various efforts to ensure the readiness of all parties. Starting from technical guidance, visit, to match simulations, everything is carried out in a structured and systematic manner.

In addition, the committee also carried out budget efficiency by optimizing the use of existing budgets. The aim is to ensure that all venues, equipment, and committees are ready to welcome athletes and officials from all over Indonesia.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairperson of the Daily II PB PON XXI Aceh Region, Iskandar, expressed that Aceh's readiness to host PON has reached 95%. All districts/cities in Aceh have also prepared all the necessary facilities, from accommodation to transportation.

"All regents and mayors are ready to support, serve wholeheartedly. Ready for infrastructure, socio-cultural, and economics to host," he said.

PON XXI, which will be held on September 8-20, 2024, is expected to be a lively competition with the participation of the best athletes from all over Indonesia who will compete in various sports. In addition to showing athletes' abilities, PON XXI is also a momentum to promote the beauty and diversity of Aceh and North Sumatra culture to visitors from all over the country.