Minister of Youth and Sports Amali Hopes National Sports Activities Will Be Revived After The Pandemic

JAKARTA - The Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia (Menpora) Zainudin Amali was the keynote speaker at The 5th International Conference on Physical Education, Sport, and Health (ISMINA) held by Semarang State University (Unnes), Wednesday, April 28.

In his remarks, Menpora Amali hoped that the Indonesian sports academics who were present at the event could share experiences and provide input to the government.

"So that sports in Indonesia can immediately revive in the post-pandemic era", said Menpora Amali in his speech virtually at the Kemenpora Sitroom, Jakarta, quoted on Thursday, April 29.

As a reminder, the Menpora revealed that there had been a postponement of several national championships such as the National Sports Week (PON) and several international championships such as the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, he said, the program and athletes' readiness to reach peak performance at the 2020 championship had to be rescheduled for a training program so that they could continue to train. Thus, the athletes' fitness level is maintained during the stay-at-home policy.

"The sports industry has also been affected by this pandemic situation. The football, volleyball, basketball, and badminton championships were forced to stop, players and match organizers lost their income", said Menpora Amali.

Therefore, continued Amali, Kemenpora has set 2021 as the right time to restore and revive sports.

Several reasons for this policy are that the spread of COVID-19 globally has occurred systematically. All national and provincial athlete coaches, as well as sports officials and stakeholders throughout Indonesia, have received the vaccine.

"Furthermore, since September 2020, the Menpora has started to compile a national sports grand design and is ready to be implemented in 2021. Therefore, in 2021 several competitions both online and offline have been held with strict health protocols, including limiting audience attendance in the stadium", continued the Menpora.

In addition, at the commemoration of the 2020 National Day of Youth and Sports, the Minister of Youth and Sports has also launched the development of Indonesian sports, currently focusing on sports science, the sports industry, and sports tourism.

"These three focuses will be the main priority areas of work", he said.

Meanwhile, since March 2021, Indonesia has started holding soccer competitions by strictly implementing health protocols and spectator restrictions. Apart from soccer players, only official teams and real officials are allowed into the stadium.

In the future, added the Menpora, the central and local governments also decided to hold a four-year multievent championship, namely National Sports Week (PON) in October 2021.

"All preparations have been made and I hope all sports activities and competitions can return soon", hoped the Menpora Amali at the Webinar which was attended by several leaders of Southeast Asian sports organizations.