A Papuan singer closed the opening ceremony by singing "Torang Bisa", the theme of the XX Papua PON, accompanied by hundreds of dancers performing contemporary dances.
Meanwhile, Papuan national footballer, Boaz Solossa carried the last torch to ignite the Papua PON fire cauldron during the opening ceremony for the national multi-sports event.
The ignition of the fire by Salossa also closed the opening ceremony and marked the start of the 2021 Papua PON.
Then, fireworks started to be lit and enlivened the atmosphere at the Lukas Enembe Stadium. A fireworks display also took place at the Youtefa Red Bridge in Jayapura.
The opening ceremony of PON Papua was opened by Papuan artists Edo Kondologit, Michael Jakarimilena, and Nowela Elizabeth Auparay singing "Tanah Papua" by Yance Rumbino.
Lea Simanjuntak and Joanita Wakum performed the song "Indonesia Pusaka" by Ismail Marzuki, followed by Albert Fakdawer performing "Amapondo" by David Rumagesang.
Ruth Sahanaya and Tulus surprised the audience by rendering"Rumah Kita" by Ian Antono.
Related news: President Widodo officially opens PON XX in Papua
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) also surprised the audience when he suddenly came down from the stands to the field to play football with four Papuan footballers.
He officially opened the XX Papua PON at the Lukas Enembe Stadium, Jayapura, Saturday night.
Competitions in a number of sports branches have already begun as part of PON since September 22.
Papua has had the opportunity to host PON for the first time. Apart from Papua, only five regions outside Java have held the event—North Sumatra (1953), South Sulawesi (1957), South Sumatra (2004), East Kalimantan (2008), and Riau (2012).
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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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