VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The National Sports Week or PON 2020, which will be held in Papua, will likely be postponed in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, said Vice President Ma'ruf Amin.

"It is very likely to be postponed if the coronavirus is still threatening Papua and Indonesia," said Ma'ruf through a video conference at his official home on Jalan Diponegoro, Central Jakarta, Thursday, March 26, 2020.

The country's easternmost province has been dealing with the virus since a few days ago as three Papuans tested positive for the disease or Covid-19. In response to the situation, Papuan provincial administration quickly took precautionary measures to anticipate the virus outbreak.

Among the efforts are limiting the time for public activities and access to the province both via air and sea points.

Ma'ruf claimed he could not ensure when PON 2020 will be held if it is finally delayed, asserting that the government was monitoring the situation before making a final decision.

The sports week was initially scheduled to last from October 20 until November 2, 2020.

"We are still observing the implementation of PON 2020. If the coronavirus remains a threat later, the event will eventually be postponed," Ma'ruf Amin said. (tempo.co)