Merauke – The South Papua contingent attended the opening ceremony of the XXI Aceh-North Sumatra 2024 National Sports Week (PON) at Harapan Bangsa Stadium, Banda Aceh, Monday (09/09).
The participation of the South Papua contingent in this prestigious 4-year sports event is a new history because it is the first time to participate after the expansion of the new autonomous region (DOB).
The event began with fireworks that decorated the sky of the Harapan Bangsa stadium and entertainment featuring three local artists, namely the Tangke band, Apache, the performance of Acehnese singer Liza Aulia, Zulpase, and the Gita Handayani marching band.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo who opened PON 2024 in his speech expressed his gratitude in Aceh language “trimoeng geunaseh” for the local government that hosted the opening of PON XXI Aceh – North Sumatra. According to President Jokowi, PON 2024 in Aceh – North Sumatra is an event to produce more of the nation’s best athletes.
“This is a place to give birth to world record-breaking athletes, gold medalists at the Asian Games and the Olympics,” President Jokowi said. In addition, said Jokowi, PON 2024 is also an event to strengthen unity.
“I entrust, uphold sportsmanship and fair play, PON is the spirit of our togetherness to make achievements,” President Jokowi said. Meanwhile, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia Dito Ariotedjo said that PON 2024 will be the first PON to be held in two provinces simultaneously.
At least 13,000 athletes will compete in 1,042 match numbers in 65 sports and 87 disciplines, in 20 regencies and cities in Aceh and North Sumatra until September 20.” For the record, PON XXI Aceh – Medan 2024 is also followed by four new autonomous regions (DOB) which include South Papua, Central Papua, Mountainous Papua and Southwest Papua making their PON debut for the first time with the contingent of the Capital City of the Archipelago (IKN).