Coordinating Minister Airlangga Pace Vaccination Ahead Of PON Papua Next Month: At Least 70 Percent

Lukas Enembe Stadium, which is one of the PON arenas in Papua (Photo: Doc. Coordinating Ministry for the Economy)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto said the government continues to take steps to accelerate vaccination to achieve the target of communal immunity (herd immunity) as expected. This step is also an effort in the success of the national agenda, namely the implementation of the National Sports Week (PON) in Papua in October.

In addition, he also ensured that the government had also prepared Central Isolation facilities (Isoters) in several cities hosting XX PON in Papua, including isoters on Pelni Ships (KM Tidar).

"The implementation of health protocols (prokes) must be carried out strictly. Every contingent that is part of this event must first screen or test for COVID-19 since they are in their area of origin, before leaving for the PON venue," he said during a direct visit to Papua as reported by the official website, Saturday, September 4.

Airlangga added, the most important part is that all parties involved in this PON must have been vaccinated, starting from athletes, coaches, officials, support staff, to the community around the venue.

It is targeted that by October, all parties involved have received two doses of the vaccine. The implementation of the process in PON XX Papua is also adapted from the success of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics which ended on August 8, 2021.

"Alhamdulillah, the Mayor of Jayapura is responsive to the existence of isoter ships that will exist until the PON is complete. For vaccination, the target is Jayapura Regency/City, Kab. Mimika, Kab. Merauke, and Kab. Keerom (as a buffer zone) has at least 70 percent vaccination for dose 1, and dose 2 is adjusted accordingly. The number of spectators is limited (according to the direction of the President) and is only allowed for those who have been vaccinated. So people should be encouraged to be ready to be vaccinated,” he explained.

Furthermore, the implementation of this PON will not only re-engage sports activities in the country but can also bring economic benefits.

"The impact before the PON is on the development (infrastructure), and after the PON, of course from the use of the venue (which has been built), as well as the impact with the many athletes who come to compete," he concluded.