PON Papua can be held without spectators

Central KONI Secretary General Ade Lukman said that there is a possibility that the Papua National Sports Week (PON) will be held without spectators present if the COVID-19 pandemic situation has not decreased.

According to Ade, even though the people around the venue have received the COVID-19 vaccine, that does not guarantee that later viewers will be allowed to watch PON Papua, which will take place on October 2-15.

"We have not decided whether to attend (the audience) or be limited. We will follow the development and direction of the COVID-19 Task Force, ”said Ade when contacted by Antara in Jakarta, Friday.

Also read: The Governor of Papua asks all components to increase focus ahead of the XX PON

Although there is no certainty regarding the attendance of the audience, Ade said that the organizing committee has prepared a health protocol guide for the implementation of PON Papua to prevent various unexpected events.

PON Papua will be held in four regions, namely Jayapura, Jayapura Regency, Timika, and Merauke.

President Joko Widodo had previously instructed the people around the venues in the four clusters to get the COVID-19 vaccine so that they could participate in enlivening the four-year national sporting event.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said he had guaranteed that the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine needed for around 200 thousand doses for PON Papua was safe and had been included in the allocation prepared by the Ministry of Health.

According to Ade, the vaccination process for the community around the competition area is currently underway.

"Yes. For example, when we went to Papua there was a CdM meeting last month they had already prepared vaccination facilities. So I think it's working, ”he said.

"Our target does not yet know, but it is hoped that in August-September all the vaccination process will be completed," he concluded.

SOURCE: https://www.antaranews.com/berita/2167698/sekjen-koni-pon-papua-bisa-digelar-tanpa-penonton