Among the sporting venues he reviewed ahead of the official opening ceremony of the country's biggest multi-sport event on October 2, 2021 were a tennis court as well as soccer and diving facilities.
During his visit, General Prabowo also inspected the PeduliLindungi surveillance application at the sporting venues, which has been installed as part of the government's COVID-19 prevention and mitigation efforts.
He reviewed the details of security and implementation of COVID-19 health protocols at the Papua games arenas that he visited, according to a press statement from the National Police that ANTARA received here on Thursday.
Prabowo appealed to the organizing committee of the 20th PON National Games to keep campaigning the importance of complying with the health protocols through loudspeakers.
Related news: PON: 1,500 military, police personnel to be deployed in Mimika
Papua has come under the spotlight of Indonesia's media outlets as it is due to host this year's PON National Games and National Para Games (Peparnas).
The PON will be held in Jayapura city and the districts of Jayapura, Mimika, and Merauke from October 2 to October 15, while Peparnas will be held from November 2 to November 15.
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.
Regarding Papua's security condition, Papua Police chief Inspector-General Mathius Fakhiri had said earlier that security disturbances by Papuan separatist terrorists would not disrupt the hosting of the Papua games.
In a statement issued on September 14, 2021, Fakhiri appealed to participating athletes and officials to not worry as around eight thousand security personnel will secure the multi-sport event.
"The security situation in four regions that will co-host the PON National Games are far away from areas frequently disrupted by the armed Papuan separatist terrorists," he said.
Related news: Armed terrorists' security disturbances will not disrupt PON: Police
Related news: Papua remains conducive before PON national games in October: police
Translator: Laily R, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
