We are appealing to the navy personnel to provide us with security services for our athletesJakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Sports Council (KONI)-Jakarta office has said that 20 personnel from the Jakarta Metropolitan Police will protect members of the capital city's contingent during Papua's PON National Games.
The cops' involvement in Jakarta's contingent is aimed at protecting and securing officials, coaches, and athletes competing in the multisport event, KONI-Jakarta Office head Djamhuron Wibowo said here on Wednesday.
The KONI-Jakarta Office has also sought help from navy personnel at the Indonesian Naval Base (Lantamal) I, XI, and Mimika for protecting the contingent, he informed.
"We are appealing to the navy personnel to provide us with security services for our athletes," Wibowo said, adding that Jakarta is sending 735 athletes to compete in the 20th PON National Games.
Related news: BNPB readiesreadies 2 million masks to support Papua PON
The KONI-Jakarta Office has set a target of winning the country's biggest multisport events with 171 gold medals, he said.
Papua has come under the spotlight of Indonesia's media outlets recently as it is scheduled to host this year's PON National Games and National Para Games (Peparnas).
The games will be held in Jayapura city and the districts of Jayapura, Mimika, and Merauke from 2nd to 15th October, while Peparnas will be held from 2nd to 15th November.
At least 6,400 athletes and 3,500 officials from 34 provinces across Indonesia are expected to participate in Papua's PON National Games, which will feature 37 events.
Meanwhile, 1,935 athletes and 740 officials will take part in the National Para Games in Jayapura city and Jayapura district, which will feature 12 events.
Related news: Papua PON to become potential talent-scouting event: Perpani
Eight thousand security personnel will be deployed to secure the multisport eventsPapua Police chief, Insp.Gen. Mathius Fakhiri, noted and asked participating athletes and officials to not worry.
Fakhiri said on Tuesday that security disturbances caused by Papuan terrorists would not disrupt the upcoming PON National Games and National Para Games.
He argued that the security situation in the four regions that will co-host the PON National Games remains conducive as they are far away from areas frequently targeted by the Papuan separatist terrorists.
Fakhiri said local communities in the four regions are required to help secure their respective neighborhoods.
Papua has reeled under armed violence over the past few years.
On September 13, 2021, several members of the Lamek Tablo-led armed group allegedly torched several public facilities, including a public health center and houses, in Kiwirok.
Related news: Preparations for PON in Papua reach 95-percent completion: KON
The separatist terrorists were also involved in a gun fight with several Indonesian security personnel, officials said.
One soldier sustained a minor injury on his right arm after a bullet ricocheted and struck his arm during the exchange of fire with the Lamek Tablo-led group.
On August 22, 2021, the Tenius Gwijangge-led terrorist group launched a deadly strike on several construction workers of PT Indo Mulia Baru who were building a bridge over the Brazza River in Yahukimo.
Two workers, identified as Rionaldo Ratu Roma and Dedi Imam Pamungkas, died in the attack.
Related news: Governor asks Jakarta athletes to focus on Papua PON
Related news: Zero tolerance policy for PON athletes flouting health protocols: KONI
Translator: Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
