"Based on previous experiences, PON boosts the economy of the area where it is taking place," he told ANTARA here, Tuesday.
According to Simorangkir, economic activities to increase in Papua will primarily be in the transportation sector, especially air transportation, hotels, restaurants, tourism, and several other real sector activities.
Hence, the public's consumption in those aforementioned sectors will increase after having earlier decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Related news: PON National Games can boost Papuan economy: Indef researcher
In addition to boosting consumption, Simonangkir remarked that the production of several goods for the Papua PON event will also increase, so it will help to revive the industry there.
"The production of food and beverages, uniforms, and souvenirs will increase (during PON)," he stated.
Furthermore, he assessed that the XX Papua PON will encourage investment growth in the short term, especially investment in the facilities where the event is held.
For the first time ever, Papua has become the host of the country's most prominent sports event, the National Sports Week (PON), in 2021.
The XX Papua PON 2021 is being held on October 2-15, 2021. At least 6,400 athletes and 3,500 officials from 34 provinces across Indonesia participate in the National Games that feature as many as 37 sports.
The event was earlier officially opened by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the Lukas Enembe Stadium, Sentani, Jayapura, Papua, on Saturday (October 2, 2021).
Related news: Papua's PON expected to boost SME growth: govt
Translator: Agatha Olivia, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
