Our security arrangements have been made to prevent any potential disorder and security threats during the games
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD is confident that the PON XX National Games and XVI National Paralympic Games hosted in Papua would be held safely and smoothly amid additional security arrangements.

"Our security arrangements have been made to prevent any potential disorder and security threats during the games," Coordinating Minister Mahfud noted in his press statement here, Friday.

Responding to recent concerns about security threats in the province, Mahfud appealed to the public in the PON Games' four host regions to stay calm, as the authority had reported the situation in the region as being safe.


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We hope the public would remain calm and confident to participate in the PON Games. We have been coordinating not only with the central and Papuan authorities but also with other regional authorities, who send their athletes' contingent to Papua. Security, technical, and facility arrangements have all been prepared and set properly," Mahfud explained.

To ensure preparedness for the PON Games, he expects to review the final preparations at several sporting venues used for the games' matches before the opening ceremony on October 2, with President Joko Widodo's attendance to open the Games being confirmed.

"I will participate in the final rehearsal before the PON Games’ opening ceremony. The opening ceremony would be on October 2, and I might arrive in Papua for the rehearsal on October 1," Mahfud stated.

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The former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court made clear that the PON Games, currently hosted by Papua, would demonstrate the province's ability to develop in equal standing as other Indonesian provinces.

"Let us joyfully welcome the National Games as a sporting event that will exhibit the province's ability to develop in equal standing with other provinces, as the central government has provided equal opportunities and treatment for the best interest of the regions," he remarked.


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Translator: Syaiful Hakim, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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