MPR Chairman Bambang Soesatyo Hopes Papua National Sports Week Strengthens Unity: Sports Is A Media That Unites Diversity

Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly, Bambang Soesatyo. (Photo: Instagram @bambang.soesatyo)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI) Bambang Soesatyo hopes that the implementation of the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) from October 2 to 15, 2021 will further strengthen the sense of unity and integrity, as well as foster national values and a sense of nationalism in every child of the nation.

"There is a symbiotic relationship of mutualism between sports and nationalism," said Bambang Soesatyo after attending the Opening of the XX Papua PON at the Lukas Enembe Stadium, Jayapura, Papua, Saturday, October 2, quoted from Antara.

According to Bamsoet, his nickname, on the one hand, sport is a means to grow and build nationalism. On the other hand, he continued, the spirit and spirit of nationalism that was instilled to motivate athletes had played an important role in advancing sporting achievements.

According to him, the values of virtue in sports, such as tenacity of fighting spirit, sportsmanship, honesty in competition, and willingness to sacrifice for a bigger and nobler goal are examples of values in sports that are in harmony and still one breath with nationalism.

"Sport is a medium that can unite diversity," said Bamsoet, quoted from a press release on Sunday.

When national athletes compete in the international arena, all the children of the nation have one voice and one heart as supporters of the Indonesian team.

The various differences that they have, ranging from differences in political views, backgrounds of cultural identity, social life, and economy are no longer a dividing barrier.

"Everyone is united to support Indonesian athletes who compete to make the nation and country proud," said Bamsoet.

He also appreciated the role of the government, especially the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) in building the spirit of national unity and integrity through national sports development.

"The implementation of the XX Papua PON is proof of the government's alignment with prioritizing equitable development in the regions, especially increasing infrastructure development in areas outside Java," said Bamsoet.

The government's policy of providing educational scholarships for outstanding athletes from all over the archipelago, according to him, is another example of the government's efforts that should be appreciated and supported together.

"We certainly hope that there will be more activities and sporting events that can be integrated and collaborated with various activities that can grow the spirit and spirit of nationalism," said Bamsoet.