Interpreting PON XX Papua As A Stage Of Togetherness, Unity And Brotherhood

Coordinating Minister Airlangga while presenting medals to wushu athletes who succeeded in the final round (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo at the Lukas Enembe Stadium, Sentani, Jayapura, Papua, Saturday, October 2.

In the opening ceremony of the biggest national sporting event, President Joko Widodo said he was proud because PON was held for the first time in Papua.

"My feelings and those of your brothers and sisters are definitely the same. We are proud to be in Papua. And we are proud to be in the best stadium in Asia Pacific. We are proud to open the 20th PON, the first PON to be held in Papua," he explained in official statement received by the editor, Monday, October 4th.

The President, who was accompanied by several ministers, then invited all elements of society to experience PON with all joy and become a place to forge togetherness with one another.

"This PON is a stage for togetherness, a stage for unity, a stage for brotherhood," he said.

The XX PON activity, which was held in Papua, was divided into four clusters, namely Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, Mimika Regency, and Merauke Regency.

Especially for the wushu sport, the last day of the final match was held at GOR Dispora Merauke, last Sunday. President Joko Widodo also had the opportunity to watch the final match of the wushu sport.

The final of the wushu sport featured two gold medal matches from the taolu number category and 11 gold from the sanda number.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto as Chairman of the Committee for Combating Covid-19 and National Economic Recovery (KPC-PEN) was also present to accompany President Joko Widodo to witness the wushu final match.

Coordinating Minister Airlangga who is also the General Chairperson of the Indonesian Wushu Executive Board (PBWI) seemed satisfied and proud of the implementation of the wushu sport competition which had implemented health protocols well and brought togetherness and brotherhood among athletes.

On that occasion, apart from watching the entire series of finals, he also presented medals to the athletes who succeeded in the final round.

PON XX Papua held 37 sports competitions, 56 sports disciplines, and 679 match numbers from October 2 to 15.