VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) which took place from October 2-15 has been officially closed by Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ma'ruf Amin. At Lukas Enembe Stadium, Jayapura, Papua, on Friday night (15/10), he expressed his highest appreciation for the implementation of the largest sports event in Indonesia which has run safely, smoothly and successfully. VP Ma'ruf Amin who was accompanied by Minister of Youth and Sports, Zainudin Amali also expressed his gratitude to the Papuan people for being warm hosts for contingents from other regions in Indonesia. Based on the history of the implementation of the National Sports Week, PON XX Papua is the first largest national-scale sporting event ever held in Papua. However, Papua is considered successful not only in organizing activities but also in making sports achievements by being in the top four of the standings from previously ranked eight at the XIX National Sports Week in 2016.

In his remarks, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin also emphasized that the success of Papua has proven that Papua is not only rich in natural resources, but also full of talented athletes. This will bring progress and prosperity to Papua. According to VP Ma'ruf Amin, the success of PON XX Papua also reflects the strength of the unity and integrity of the Indonesian nation which must be maintained together.

On this occasion, VP Ma'ruf Amin also congratulated all athletes, officials and supporters for the proud achievement of this XX PON, in particular the success of breaking several sports records at both national and international levels.

Meanwhile, Minister Zainudin Amali disclosed that there were around 90 national records which were broken from the branches of Athletics, Swimming, Shooting, Weightlifting, and Diving. Most of the records are included in the leading sports branches of the Great Design of National Sports which have been prepared by the Ministry of Youth and Sports along with sports stakeholders as guidelines for fostering national sports achievements.

The Grand Design of National Sports has been signed by President Joko Widodo at the Commemoration of the 38th National Sports Day on September 9, 2021. The goal is to improve sports culture in the community, enhance capacity, synergy, and productivity of national sports achievements and promote a sports-based national economy. With the Great Design of National Sports, regional governments will be able to focus more on coaching in certain sports. Good and continuous coaching is expected to be able to make achievements with new records both at national and international levels, as has been achieved at PON XX Papua. It is even targeted that Indonesia can occupy the 5th position in the 2044 Olympics and Paralympics.