"From the start, I have reminded both the provincial government and district or city governments to prepare a management plan for the entire (PON) venues and facilities," the minister remarked while surveying the Mimika Sport Center in Mimika, Papua, on Monday.
According to Amali, the facilities comprised those related to housing that can be given to universities, churches, and other institutions to be used as dormitories.
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The central government has assisted in the construction of these facilities, while their handling is the responsibility of the regional government that aligns with the regional autonomy principle, he remarked.
"What we can do is to encourage national-level events, such as national competitions for any sports branches, to be held in Papua," he stated.
However, Amali highlighted the dire need for support from and the involvement of the regional government to manage those assets.
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"If the regional government is not assertive and not creative in preparing activities after the PON concludes, then it will meet the same fate as other regions," he asserted.
However, he believes that the spirit of the Papuan government and people to transform the province into a sports province is sufficient motivation all on its own.
The PON XX is being held in Papua on October 2-13, 2021. Athletes from 34 provinces of Indonesia will compete in 37 sports disciplines at the event.
Following the registration process, the number of athletes participating in the event had reached 6,144. After including the 922 host athletes, the total figure stands at 7,066 athletes.
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Pewarta: KR-FL
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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