After building the venues, our work is not yet completed. The next task is to maintain and make the best use of these venues
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated seven venues of the XX National Sports Week (PON) in Jayapura, Papua, on Saturday. The venues comprised the Istora Papua Bangkit, aquatic venue, cricket venue, hockey venue, rowing venue, archery venue, and roller skate venue.

"We should be grateful that the XX PON Papua venues have been completed and ready to support this national games," Jokowi remarked.

During the inauguration, President Jokowi was accompanied by House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia, Head of the State Intelligence Agency Budi Gunawan, National Defense Forces (TNI) Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Prabowo, and other state officials.

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President Jokowi pointed out that the various PON venues came with various sophisticated construction innovations that are energy-efficient and environment-friendly.

"After building the venues, our work is not yet completed. The next task is to maintain and make the best use of these venues," he remarked.

After the PON comes to a close, the head of state urged the local government and related stakeholders to maintain the facilities as well as to accommodate the needs of Papuan youth.

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The president also tasked governors, heads of districts, and mayors with making prompt preparations for the professional management of this facility.

"We are optimistic that the existing venues would be well-maintained. Use this venue as a place for young athletes to excel at both the national and international levels," he remarked.

President Jokowi is scheduled to open the XX PON on Saturday at the Lukas Enembe Stadium, Jayapura District.

The national games will be held on October 2-15, 2021, with a total of 37 sports to be competed in and involving 7,039 athletes, 3,585 sport officials, and 2,017 contingent officials .

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Translator: Desca L N, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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