Puan Maharani: After PON, Sports Facilities Built With People's Money Must Be Used

Chairman of the House of Representatives DR. (HC) Mrs. Maharani. (Photo: Geraldi/Man via dpr.go.id)

JAKARTA - The chairman of the Indonesian Parliament, Puan Maharani, reminded that the facilities and arenas or venues for the XX National Sports Week (PON) that have been built must continue to be used continuously. She conveyed this after inaugurating seven arenas with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in Jayapura, Papua, Saturday, October 2.

"After the PON event, all sports facilities built with trillions of rupiah of public money must be used for the benefit of the Papuan people", said Puan in a written statement to reporters in Jakarta, Saturday, October 2.

This warning was given because many sports arenas built to hold PON ended up being neglected and abandoned after the event ended.

"Learning from previous experiences in other provinces, after the implementation of the PON, the sports facilities that were built were only silent witnesses to the PON event", said the PDI-P politician.

"After that, the condition was neglected and not maintained and even became a burden for the local government because of the high cost of maintaining these facilities", she added.

Not only that, but Puan also hopes that these various sports arenas will later become a source of local revenue. Moreover, all sports infrastructure in Papua was built to strengthen the spirit of Indonesian unity.

"Because sporting events such as PON also strengthen our sense of brotherhood", she said.

For information, seven PON XX venues were inaugurated by President Jokowi, namely the Aquatic Arena, Archery Arena located at Istora Papua Bangkit. Then the Cricket Arena and Hockey Arena (outdoor-indoor) in Doyo Baru, Jayapura Regency.

Next up is the Skateboarding Arena at Waena Campground, Jayapura City, and the Rowing Arena in Youtefa Bay, Jayapura City. The construction in these 7 locations uses the State Budget in Papua.

Previously, President Jokowi had ordered regional heads to mayors in Papua to prepare facility management. Thus, the sports arena that has been built can be maintained properly.

"Take advantage of this venue as a place for selecting sports superior seeds, nurturing Papuan athletes to make more achievements both at the national and world levels", said Jokowi.

He said he was grateful that the entire arena or venue for the XX Papua PON has been completed and ready to be used. In addition, he also conveyed his gratitude because Papua now has a sports arena with international standards.

"Starting from the Istora Papua Bangkit, the aquatic arena, the cricket arena, the hockey arena, the rowing arena, the archery arena, to the roller-skating arena", said the former governor of DKI Jakarta.

With international standards, said Jokowi, these various sports arenas have sophistication such as construction that is energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Thus, he advised all parties to continue to maintain and make the best use of this arena.

"After being able to build these venues, our work is not finished. The next task is to maintain, care for, and make the best use of these venues", said Jokowi.