Viral West Java Athlete Winning Gold PON Papua Using Public Transportation, Kang Emil Gives Clarification

West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil (DOK. West Java Provincial Government Public Relations via ANTARA)

WEST JAVA - A diving athlete who won gold medal at XX Papua PON 2021, Dhea Nazhira went viral after returning to her village using public transportation.

Seen Dhea accompanied by her mother, Desi Arisandi, just arrived in Ciamis City, West Java, carrying luggage. Dhea then said that she departed from Bandung by taking a public bus.

Then came the issue that Dhea did not get the attention of the local government regarding her return after competing to defend West Java at the Papua National Sports Week (PON).

West Java Governor, M Ridwan Kamil, spoke about this. The return of the gold medal-winning athlete in the XX Papua PON 2021 diving sport using a public bus is the athlete's choice.

Dhea said Kang Emil - Ridwan Kamil's nickname - meant to surprise the family. Dhea does not want to use a vehicle that has been provided by the committee. Because Dhea did not want her return to be greeted with great fanfare.

"This proud athlete gave a statement that she wanted to surprise her family and did not want her to return home to be enlivened by the local government, so he chose to go home by public transportation instead of the one provided by the committee", said Kang Emil in a press release for the West Java Provincial Government Public Relations, Thursday.

"However, all of this has been evaluated to the Provincial and City/Regency KONI in order to coordinate more maturely, so that it does not become one of prejudice. Keep the spirit for all West Java athletes. Victory is near. God willing", he said.

West Java's opportunity to become the overall champion is very wide open. Based on the official website of the West Java KONI on Thursday at 08:00 WIB, West Java still topped the medal standings with 125 gold, 97 silver and 114 bronze.

Being in second place in East Java, which has collected 106 gold, 86 silver, and 80 bronze. Meanwhile, DKI Jakarta is in third place with 100 gold, 87 silver and 96 bronze medals.