Jokowi Apologizes For Not Attending Directly At Peparnas Opening Ceremony, Promise To Come At Closing

President Jokowi (Photo: Antara))

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo apologized for not being present in person at the opening ceremony of the XVI Papua National Paralympic Week (Peparnas) at the Mandala Stadium, Jayapura City, Friday. Jokowi must undergo quarantine.

"I'm sorry, I can't attend because I have to undergo quarantine after returning from abroad", Jokowi said in a video that was played during the opening ceremony of Peparnas Papua, as reported by Antara.

Jokowi then promised to attend the closing ceremony of Peparnas on November 13.

"Actually, on the morning of November 5, 2021, I arrived in the country and was able to open Peparnas virtually from Jakarta. But I prefer to be present at the closing later in Jayapura because Papua is always in my heart", said Jokowi.

Jokowi also expressed his gratitude to Vice President Ma'ruf Amin who was present directly on Cenderawasih Earth to open the Papua National Tourism Park.

"I'm sure that Peparnas in Papua will be successful, full of achievements and lively, people can", concluded Jokowi.

The opening ceremony of Peparnas Papua carried the theme "Light from East Papua".

There were several top musicians such as Anggun, Nowela Mikhelia, and Edo Kondologit. In addition, local artists involved include Kaonak, Manggorap, Nogei, Shine of Black, Piter Ginuy, and Irsa Yoku.

The opening of Peparnas also presented a variety of traditional dances from various regions, including Papua as the host.

During the opening ceremony, the attraction of 500 drones will adorn the ceiling on Earth of Cenderawasih. The drones were imported from California and Dubai complete with pilots from Europe and Singapore.

In terms of security, the opening ceremony of Peparnas Papua involved 1,400 TNI-Police personnel.

All Peparnas Papua activities will implement strict health protocols considering that they are still in a state of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spectator restrictions during the opening ceremony are enforced. Even so, the public will still be able to witness the splendor of the opening ceremony with the presence of Videotron at several points in Jayapura.

In addition to the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, the Ministry of Communication and Information has also instructed all television broadcasters to broadcast the opening and closing ceremonies of Peparnas live and a YouTube live streaming service is also available.

In its implementation, Peparnas Papua will be attended by no less than 1,985 athletes from 33 provinces competing in 12 sports, namely weight lifting, athletics, boccia, badminton, chess, judo, shooting, archery, swimming, CP football, wheelchair tennis, and table tennis.

Peparnas Papua is the momentum and stage for equality for athletes with disabilities. Peparnas is also a place to show the ability of athletes with disabilities to continue to excel in making the name of the region and nation proud.