VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The 20th National Sports Week (PON) was officially opened by President Joko Widodo at the Lukas Enembe Stadium, Jayapura Regency, Papua on Saturday night (2/10). In his speech, the President expressed his pride of Lukas Enembe being in the best stadium in Asia Pacific. He also called on the public, especially the participants to celebrate PON XX with joy, uphold sportsmanship, strengthen brotherhood, togetherness, equality, and national unity.

The Head of State also emphasized that the multi-event sports week which was held for the first time in Papua proves that the infrastructure is ready to use in Papua. The magnificence of the Lukas Enembe Stadium is not the only symbol of progress in Papua. According to President Joko Widodo, sea, land and air connectivity, as well as the construction of airports, ports, highways, as well as the development of Papua's human resources are other very proud achievements.

The biggest sporting event in Indonesia, which will last until October 15, is being  attended by more than 6,400 athletes accompanied by 3,000 coaches from all over Indonesia. A total of 37 sports branches  and 56 sports disciplines are contested in newly built or renovated venues with a huge enough budget. It is only natural that President Joko Widodo, when inaugurating the venues for the matches, asked all parties, especially the regional and provincial governments of Papua to properly care for, maintain and utilize the venues at the 20th National Sports Week (PON) later on. The President does not want the sports facilities that have been built with huge funds and with international standards to become a lonely and unkempt place.

The availability of new and international-class sports facilities and infrastructure in Papua and other places in Indonesia must, of course, be used for screening and training so as to produce quality and accomplished athletes. Placing 4th in the 2018 Asian Games is the highest achievement ever made by Indonesia in a multi-event sporting event. But, this is certainly not the pinnacle of achievement. It is hoped that continuous screening and coaching will be able to produce outstanding athletes at both national and international levels.