The Implementation of PON has an Impact on the Transport and Tourism Sector in Papua

The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo at the opening of the PON in Papua. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) researcher Andry Satrio Nugroho said that the XX National Sports Week (PON) had a positive impact on the transportation and tourism sectors in Papua.

"There will definitely be an impact, especially if we talk about the location in Papua. Of course, the biggest impact will be accommodation, transportation, food and drinks, and tourism," said Andry, quoted from Antara, Sunday, October 17.

This, continued Andry, because there is a high increase in mobility in Papua, so that PON is said to be a very good event in improving the economy in the area where the event is held.

However, Andry reminded what is far more important than that is how the sports facilities and infrastructure that have been built can be utilized as much as possible after the PON is completed.

According to Andry, the population of Papua, which is not as large as Java, and its location in Eastern Indonesia, is a challenge in itself to take advantage of sports facilities, especially the majestic Lukas Enembe Stadium, so that it can still be utilized post-PON.

"According to President Joko Widodo's wishes, how the PON facilities should not be neglected. Well, this is indeed one of the challenges for the Papua Provincial Government and the Central Government to see the allocation of maintenance funds," said Andry.

Another thing that can be done, according to Andry, is holding an international event in Papua, so that PON facilities and infrastructure can be reused, along with introducing Papua's potential to the international community.

"So, it should not only be held in existing tourist destinations, but also in Papua. Thus, PON facilities and infrastructure cannot be neglected, as has happened in several previous PON implementation areas," concluded Andry.