Moeldoko: Papua PON Is An Evidence Of Commitment To Indonesia-Centric Development

JAKARTA - Presidential Chief of Staff, Moeldoko, said that the holding of the XX National Sports Week (PON) in Papua in 2021 is proof of Indonesia's commitment to Indonesia-centric development.

"This is proof of the commitment to Indonesia-centric development proclaimed by the President, where Papua Land is his priority," said Moeldoko when giving a speech at the Gathering Sponsorship of PON XX 2021 Papua at Hotel Mulia Jakarta, Thursday, as reported by Antara, Friday, April 30.

Moeldoko said as President Jokowi stated that Papua PON XX is something that is authentic or has never happened before in PON history.

The holding of the XX PON in Papua shows the massive progress of sports infrastructure development in Papua.

For the President, said Moeldoko, the implementation of PON and PEPARNAS is strengthening the identity of the Indonesian nation that stretches from Sabang to Merauke, from Asia to the Pacific, from Malay lands to the Melanesian islands.

Implementation of PON and National Paralympic Week (PEPARNAS) in Papua in 2021 are also inseparable from the efforts to accelerate the development of the welfare of the Land of Papua as well as the spirit of sports that are inherent and identical to the Land of Papua.

Moeldoko said the President's request that the XX PON in 2021 implemented this year shows extraordinary readiness.

According to him, seriousness, attention, and the President's affirmation were emphasized in at least three Limited Meetings/Cabinet Sessions that specifically discussed PON, as well as the issuance of three Presidential Instruction relating to PON and the acceleration of Papua development.

"In short, in the history of PON implementation since 1948, PON has not received as extraordinary as this attention from a President," said Moeldoko.

Moeldoko himself has also assigned three teams to go directly to three regions in Papua, namely Jayapura, Mimika, and Merauke this month.

The team led directly by Deputy V of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) Jaleswari Pramodhawardani is in charge of monitoring the development of the XX National Sports Week (PON) directly.

"I and the ranks of the KSP will continue to guard the PON until it is complete," explained Moeldoko.

Moeldoko detailed, in Jayapura, Deputy V KSP Jaleswari together with the Central KONI, PB PON, and the Governor of Papua also opened Chief de Mission Meeting event or CDM Meeting.

At this CDM Meeting, representatives of PON contingents from each province attended and discussed and agreed on various competition rules, event designs, and all related issues.

Together with PB PON, as well as regional heads of both Jayapura Regency and Jayapura City, Moeldoko encouraged the promotion of PON through the role of TVRI in Papua.

Not only that, Papuans, especially the younger generation, were also involved as the event committee in the CDM Meeting of PON.

"This is our assets for the success of PON and PEPARNAS," said Moeldoko.

In Mimika, Moeldoko also saw the enthusiasm of the Mimika Regency government in preparing the PON venue with the support of the Regency Government Budget (APBD) for billiards, rock climbing, futsal, and parachutes.

"Indeed some settlement processes are underway and will be completed soon. I appreciate the enthusiasm of the Mimika Regency government to provide support," he explained.

Meanwhile, in Merauke Regency, it is also similar. Moeldoko explained that accommodation and transportation facilities, as well as venues that will be used for the implementation of six sports, are also ready, including the majestic Kaltapal Stadium for women's football sport.

Moeldoko added XX PON in Papua will be the biggest sporting event in the Pacific region.

"The complete sports facilities that we have built in the four-match clusters in Papua are currently the most complete and the best in the Pacific region besides Olympic facilities in Australia," he explained.

The former TNI Commander also believes, apart from being ready to host PON, Papua is also ready to serve other international and regional sporting events.

"These facilities demonstrate Papua's readiness to become a hub and economic center in the Pacific Region" he added.

Closing his speech, Moeldoko confirmed again there are four success targets for PON XX, namely successful implementation, successful achievement, successful administration, and successful economic empowerment for the community.

"Therefore, I invite all those present tonight, both from government and private with all elements of the nation, to contribute to the success of this historical event," concluded Moeldoko.