POPNAS-PEPARPENAS 2025 Held, DKI Provincial Government Frees Athletes To Take Public Transportation To Enter Ancol

JAKARTA - The 17th National Student Sports Week (POPNAS) and the 11th National Student Paralympic Week (PEPARPENAS) are officially opened in Jakarta.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government provides a number of special facilities for thousands of student athletes from all over Indonesia, ranging from free public transportation to free access to the Ancol tourist area.

Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Rano Karno, said the facility was provided to ensure that all participants had the best experience while participating in the championship in the capital city.

"The governor provides free public transportation facilities for all athletes during the implementation. So, all athletes who want to take the Transjakarta or MRT, just show their participating cards, God willing, they will be free," said Rano after the opening of POPNAS and PEPARPENAS at Jakarta International Velodrome, East Jakarta, Sunday, November 2.

In addition, the DKI Provincial Government has also opened free access for athletes who want to enjoy the Ancol tourist area. In fact, they can get special discounts for recreation on a number of rides.

Entering the Ancol area is free. If you want to enter Dufan, there is a 50 percent discount. If you just want to play with water or just wash your feet on the beach, of course it's free," said Rano.

Rano added that athletes were also given the opportunity to visit the icon of the city of Jakarta, the National Monument (Monas), with time arrangements in turn due to limited visitor capacity.

This national student sports event is actually scheduled to take place in Aceh and Medan. However, about six months ago, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) asked the DKI Provincial Government's willingness to take over the role of host.

"Actually, this year's POPNAS and PAPERNAS were originally planned to be held in North Sumatra, precisely in Aceh and Medan. However, about six months ago, the Ministry of Youth and Sports contacted the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to ask for the willingness to become an organizer. At that time, the Governor immediately stated Jakarta's readiness," said Rano.

Even though the preparation time is short, Rano ensures that all sports venues in Jakarta are ready for use. "Since June 24, we have been appointed, DKI Jakarta immediately made preparations. Thank God, in general all our sports venues are ready. Even if there is small damage, it can be repaired immediately," he said.

POPNAS and PEPARPNAS 2025 will last until November 10, 2025. A total of 5,790 students will participate, consisting of 5,167 POPNAS athletes and 623 PEPARPNAS athletes, who will compete in 23 sports.

Rano said this activity was carried out thanks to cross-institutional cooperation and full support from all Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) and DKI Jakarta BUMDs. He also reminded all participants to maintain health during the match, considering the uncertain weather in Jakarta.

"Please compete with enthusiasm, but health is still the main thing," he ordered.

Previously, in his remarks, DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung emphasized that Jakarta as the host carried the spirit of three successful implementations of successful implementation, administrative success, and successful achievements.

"We make sure all three commitments will run safely, smoothly, orderly, memorable and provide a very valuable experience for all POPNAS and PEPARPNAS participants," said Pramono.

Pramono assessed that this event was not just a competition, but also a forum for character development, sportsmanship, and unity between students from all over Indonesia.

Furthermore, Pramono said that Jakarta's readiness can be seen from international standard sports infrastructure, integrated transportation systems, and adequate health care facilities.

"All of this is proof of Jakarta's commitment as a city that is open to collaboration as well as hosting various national and international events," he concluded.