Organizing PON is an opportunity to improve the welfare of the Papuan people

The holding of the National Sports Week (PON) in October 2021 is considered to be an opportunity for the Papuan people to improve their welfare.

"During the implementation of this activity, it will have an effect on the surrounding community, both on health and the economy," said researcher at the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef), Rusli Abdullah when contacted in Jakarta, Tuesday.

Nevertheless, he said, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused the impact of organizing PON for the welfare of the people in Papua to not be maximized.

"The implementation of PON will stimulate the economy, but not as big as it should be because of the pandemic," he said.

According to him, the limited activities of the community to implement health protocols are the reason the impact of PON for the Papuan people is not optimal.

"For example, when there is no COVID-19, many people from outside Papua come to watch the PON and spend their money in Papua. But because of COVID-19, the audience is limited," he said.

However, Rusli said the implementation of PON in the midst of a pandemic can at least be felt by workers involved in the Papua PON infrastructure project.

In addition, it is also felt by people who are close to the existence of the implementation of PON, for example by opening food stalls or lodging.

"In general, it cannot raise the welfare of the Papuan people as a whole. Only people who are directly involved with the PON project and the implementation of the PON will receive the benefits," he said.

Previously, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing or PUPR revealed the development of infrastructure development related to the XX National Sports Week (PON) in Papua.

Director of Strategic Infrastructure of the Directorate General (Directorate General) of Cipta Karya Iwan Suprijanto said that the PUPR Ministry received the mandate to handle Papua's PON infrastructure from two Presidential Instructions or Inpres.

"For the first Presidential Instruction, namely Presidential Instruction No. 10 of 2017, all infrastructure assignments have been completed. Currently in the post-audit process and preparations for handover to local governments. The venues are the Aquatic venue, Cricket and Hockey venue and Istora Papua Rises," said Iwan.*

SOURCE: https://www.antaranews.com/berita/2111338/pengelenggaraan-pon-peluang-ingkatkan-kesejahteraan- Masyarakat-papua