Greet Residents In Sentani Language, Jokowi Also Discusses Infrastructure And Human Resources Progress At The Opening Of The XX Papua PON

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the opening of the XX Papua PON/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) brought warmth after greeting Papuans in the Sentani language, when opening the XX National Sports Week (PON) which was held at the Lukas Enember Stadium, Jayapura, Papua, Saturday, October 2.

"The Papuan people who I love, love, and cherish. Huwe foi. Onomi remai, wa wa wa," Jokowi said in a live broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube.

In his remarks, President Jokowi admitted that he was proud to be able to open the sporting event which was held for the first time in Papua. Jokowi said the XX Papua PON is also a picture of progress on the Earth of Cenderawasih.

"This Sports Week illustrates the progress of Papua, showing the readiness of the Papuan people's infrastructure in holding big events to achieve national and international achievements," said the former Governor of DKI Jakarta.

In addition, the implementation of this PON also has great meaning for all people in the country. The reason is that this event has become a stage of unity, togetherness, and even a stage of justice for mutual progress within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

Furthermore, Jokowi also mentioned that the progress of Papua should not only be seen from the establishment of the magnificent Lukas Enembe Stadium.

"Sea connectivity, land connectivity, air connectivity, airports, ports, the Papua Highway and the development of Papuan human resources are other achievements of Papua's very proud progress," he said.

Jokowi also hopes that the achievements of young people in Papua must continue to be nurtured in various ways, including increasing the quality and quantity of education, both formal and non-formal.

He also mentioned that young people in Papua must have the ability and belief to be able to follow figures who have already shined, such as soccer player Boaz Solossa and a number of other athletes.

"(Achievements, ed) must be followed by other Papuan youths," said Jokowi.

Before closing his speech, he invited the whole community to take part in the XX Papua PON with a lively and full of joy. Not only that, athletes are asked to continue to uphold sportsmanship to brotherhood and equality.

"Rest assured, Papua's progress will be fast. Let's show our participation to ensure the success of this 20th PON. By saying Bismillah, in the name of God who is Most Gracious and Most Merciful, I declare that the 2020 Papua National Sports Week is officially opened," said Jokowi.

The opening ceremony of PON XX was lively. Rows of Ministers of the Advanced Indonesian Cabinet and state officials were present in person such as Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Menpora Zainudin Amali, Minister of PUPR Basuki Hadimuldjono and other ministers.

There are also DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, MPR Chair Bambang Soesatyo, Papua Governor Lukas Enembe and other state officials.