All venues are built to international standardsJakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) commenced his work visit to Papua Province by inaugurating the Istora Papua Bangkit Building in Harapan Village, East Sentani Sub-district, Jayapura District, Papua, Saturday.
Accompanying the head of state were Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Puan Maharani, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Chief of the National Defense Forces (TNI) Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, and Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia
The entourage arrived at around 9:15 WIT in front of the entrance to the West Hall of the Istora Bangkit Building. The inauguration process lasted about 15 minutes until they continued their work visit to another location.
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"President Joko Widodo chose Istora Bangkit as the first location to start his working visit. He symbolically inaugurated this structure of the seven sports buildings that were built using the state budget in Papua," Chairman of daily affairs of the PON XX Organizing Committee Papua Yunus Wonda remarked.
Wonda informed that the Istora Bangkit building was the venue for gymnastics, while the other six buildings are used for aquatics, cricket, roller speed skating, rowing, and archery.
"All venues are built to international standards. The president has advised us to not let these buildings be abandoned after the PON comes to a close. They must be utilized optimally," he remarked.
The committee chairman highlighted the government's keenness that all of Papua's current sports facilities be used to develop Papuan regional athletes.
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"Istora Bangkit carries a deep meaning for us Papuans. Hopefully, there will be a revival after a long absence of sports facilities. Hence, the government built these facilities in line with international standards," he remarked.
Apart from Istora Papua Bangkit, the president will visit the Papua Creative Youth Hub on Jalan Rajawali BTN Skyland Indah, Abepura Sub-district, Jayapura City, for a groundbreaking ceremony and the Papua Province Governor's Office on Soa Siu Dok 2 Street, Jayapura City, for a working meeting.
President Jokowi is also scheduled to officially open the National Sports Weeks (PON) XX on Saturday at the Lukas Enembe Stadium in Jayapura.
The sport games 2021 will be held on October 2-15, 2021. At least 6,400 athletes and 3,500 officials from 34 provinces across Indonesia are expected to participate in the event that will feature 37 sports.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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