Jokowi decides that the Papuan PON will continue

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has confirmed that he will continue the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) which will be held from 2 to 15 October 2021.

The decision was made by the Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali after attending a limited meeting regarding the preparation of the Papua PON virtually. The meeting was held in line with the surge in Covid-19 cases in the last two weeks.

"The president asked PON to continue," said Zainuddin, Tuesday (13/7/2021).

The decision is based on reports from ministers, governors, and KONI heads who feel that the PON event can still run, unless there is an emergency situation that is not included in the calculation.

"[When it happened] the decision was in the hands of the president, we carried out according to our respective duties," he said,

So far, according to Zainuddin, the government has not thought about delaying the implementation of the PON, which has actually been postponed since 2020. Moreover, the delay will actually affect the implementation of the PON in Aceh and North Sumatra in 2024.

"So we haven't thought of a delay, we agree and agree that the Covid-19 situation is the main concern. Of course, we will put all efforts and efforts to overcome it," he said

The government has also confirmed that it will increase the procurement of vaccines, especially in Papua. Vaccines will be used for the entire contingent, as well as the community around the venue.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono said that the supporting infrastructure for PON is expected to be completed by the end of July 2021.

"Several venues are currently under construction and are expected to be completed by the end of July because the progress is an average of 95%," he explained.

SOURCE : https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20210713150747-4-260492/gaskeun-jokowi-cepatkan-pon-papua-tetap-lanjut