Attending The Opening Of PON XX Papua, Jokowi Wears A Red And White Patterned Jacket

President Jokowi attends the opening of the PON (Photo: screenshot of the Presidential Secretariat YouTube)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) was present at the opening ceremony of the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) at the Lukas Enembe Stadium, Jayapura, Papua on Saturday, October 2.

In a live broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube, Jokowi was seen wearing a red and white patterned jacket complete with the words PON XX Papua. He also appears to be wearing a brown mask.

When he arrived at the location of the opening ceremony of the sporting event, the former Governor of DKI Jakarta seemed to wave his hand. Several officials also appeared to be present at the event, including the Chairman of the Indonesian Parliament, Puan Maharani, and the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Zainudin Amali.

Officials who attended also appeared to be wearing the same jacket as President Jokowi complete with a mask.

The opening of the XX Papua PON was also attended by the audience. However, the stadium was not fully considering that there were restrictions and the distance between one person and another was regulated in such a way due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event then featured dances and songs from artists such as Edo Kondologit, Michael Jakarimilena, and Nowela Elizabeth Auraparay. They opened the event by singing the song Aku Papua.

Previously, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, ensured that PON XX and Peparnas XVI in Papua would run smoothly.

Moreover, based on reports from the Pangdam and Kapolda, many sports have started competing since September 22. Mahfud said all these activities went smoothly considering that layered security had been carried out.

"God willing, from a security point of view, everything has been anticipated in layers but peacefully, it's not scary. It's not that scary, because this is a sports party", Mahfud said in a written statement.

Mahfud advised the security forces to work optimally so that the PON can be opened smoothly, safely, and according to health protocols. Because President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) will be present at the event. As for the community, he asked them to continue to support the sporting events.