DPRD Regrets NTT Athletes Winning PON Gold Are Picked Up By Pickup Cars

PHOTO VIA BETWEEN

KUPANG - East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Provincial DPRD member Yohanes Rumat regretted picking up the gold medal-winning athlete in the Muaythai sport at the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON), Susanti Ndapathaka, at Kupang's El Tari Airport using a piKAP car that was provided independently.

"We deeply regret this pick-up event, and it is a shame because the achievements of the NTT children are not being considered by the NTT government," said Rumat, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, October 6.

The incident was documented in the form of photos and videos and was widely circulated through social media sharing which was highlighted by the public.

The member of Commission V of the NTT DPRD said that his party deeply regrets the pick-up event, which according to him is far from the impression of appreciation for athletes who have made NTT proud on the national stage.

Rumat said this regret was justified, because as a member of Commission V DPRD in partnership with the NTT KONI and the NTT Provincial Youth and Sports Office, they had provided political support for the budget, which in early 2021 had agreed as much as Rp. 20 billion for the needs of the NTT contingent at PON XX Papua.

His party previously believed that KONI NTT together with the provincial government had carried out their duties well, to take care of the departure, including the return of the contingent of all sports in a good and correct manner.

But the fact is that athletes who get gold medals are not picked up by the provincial government, but instead with pick-up cars that are provided independently, he also said.

"It is questionable and it is reasonable to suspect where the agreed budget is," he also said.

Yohanes Rumat said in a hearing meeting, he had been reminded that the government should work according to their respective duties and responsibilities and not deviate from the regulated provisions.

He hopes the provincial government will immediately clarify to the public regarding the event of picking up the gold medal-winning athlete, because it has raised the spotlight of various circles of society.