Encourages International Events To Be Held In Papua, Menpora: The Facilities Here Are Amazing

Menpora Zainudin Amali (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali is committed to encouraging national and international class sports events to be held at Bumi Cenderawasih after the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON).

"The Ministry of Youth and Sports is committed to as much as possible to encourage national and international sports activities in Papua," said the Minister of Youth and Sports in Mimika, Monday, as reported by Antara.

This was conveyed when he visited the Mimika Sport Center, which is the arena for a number of sports, such as athletics and basketball.

Menpora gave an example of the national championship (Kejurnas) which is one level below PON.

"For example, national championships, of course, because the facilities (in Papua) are extraordinary. We will encourage that," he said.

However, said Amali, the role of the central government is only additional, because the main one is the role of the local government.

This means, Menpora reminded local governments, both provincial and district/city governments, have a big role in its implementation, including the management of the arena.

Similarly, the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir also invited all parties to work together in sports development in the region through the management of assets in the form of the PON arena.

"As stated by the Minister of Youth and Sports, indeed we all have to work together. Not all have to be part of the central government. We have to do it together," he said.

So, he said, local governments are expected to manage PON assets well by organizing events, supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as SOEs.

So far, he said, the ranks of SOEs have also built many sports arenas, including stadiums in various regions.

"The key is how the regional government collaborates with sports to carry out events for the treatment. Otherwise, it's a shame," concluded Erick.

PON Papua will take place on October 2-15, 2021 by competing in 37 sports which are divided into four regions, namely Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, Mimika, and Merauke.

Although it was only opened on October 2, there are several sports that have started competitions and medals since mid-September.