Jakarta, 12/10/2021 (ANTARA) - The Papuans have enthusiastically welcomed the 20th National Sports Week (PON), Indonesia's largest sports event, by following strict health protocol measures against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The PON, which is being held in the
country's easternmost province till October 15, 2021, has drawn 6,400
athletes and 3,500 officials from 34 provinces across Indonesia.
It was officially opened by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at Lukas
Enembe Stadium, East Sentani sub-district, Jayapura district, Papua, on
October 2.
"Huwe foi, onomi rehmay, wa wa wa. Cheers to sports!" the President greeted spectators in the native language of Papua at the opening ceremony and garnered resounding applause from the audience, whose numbers were restricted to 25 percent of the stadium's total capacity of 40 thousand people.
Jayapura City and the districts of Jayapura, Mimika, and Merauke are co-hosting matches of the first-ever PON organized in Papua Province that is featuring 37 sports branches.
PON Papua has enforced strict health protocols for athletes and those involved in the games from the time of their landing in the province, with each participant required to undergo PCR tests for COVID-19.
On October 9, 2021, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Zainudin Amali confirmed that the PON has been running smoothly despite the emergence of several COVID-19 cases.
"The situation is quite safe in the four clusters. The event will not be halted as there are no major problems," he said.
All participants, including athletes, coaches, and officers are present at every designated match, with no fear or excessive concern, he added.
COVID-19 cases during PON were first detected in Timika and announced on October 5 evening.
