PON 2024 Officially Closed By Muhadjir Effendy

Kemperiahan closed PON XXI Aceh-North Sumatra 2024 (doc. Antara).

JAKARTA - The XXI Aceh National Sports Week (PON)-North Sumatra 2024 was finally officially closed by the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy.

The four-year event closing ceremony took place at the North Sumatra Main Stadium, Deli Serdang, Friday, September 20, 2024 evening WIB. The event, which started at 19.30 WIB, featured a number of art performances.

Effendy, who was present to represent President Joko Widodo on that occasion, expressed his appreciation for Aceh and North Sumatra, who were appointed as co-hosts for the first time in history.

"I thank the two hosts for their hard work and cooperation so that the XXI PON can run," he said.

A number of artists who filled this event included Ogar Nababan, Viky Sianipar, and Rony Parulian. The three of them filled one session by singing the song Alusi Au by Nahum Situmorang.

In addition, there were also performances from Denada, Siantar Rap Foundation, Begantong Bees, Simanjuntak Lea, and Tri Vanita. All of the performers then collaborated to sing several songs.

Appreciation was also given by the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Dito Ariotedjo who gave his speech ahead of Effendy.

"Special appreciation to the people of North Sumatra and Aceh. You are the heart of this event," said the minister from the Golkar Party.

This year's edition of PON recorded 65 sports, 87 disciplines, and 1,042 match numbers. A total of 13,000 athletes and more than 6,000 officials, which is the largest in history.

West Java Province became the overall champion of PON 2024 after collecting 195 gold, 163 silver, and 182 bronze. This area recorded these achievements for the third time in a row.

They were followed by DKI Jakarta in the runner-up position with 479 medals consisting of 184 gold, 150 silver, and 145 bronze. The third position was locked by East Java with 146 gold, 136 silver, and 143 bronze.

The hosts of North Sumatra were in fourth place with 79 gold, 59 silver, and 116 bronze, while Aceh was in sixth position with 65 gold, 48 silver, and 79 bronze.

The next PON will be held in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) in 2028.