The national games this year took place in four clusters in Papua: Jayapura City, Jayapura District, Mimika District, and Merauke District.
"The situation is quite safe in the four clusters. There are no significant problems that force the event to be halted," Minister Amali noted in his official statement, Saturday.
The minister later noted that all participants, including athletes, coaches, and officials, were present at every designated match, with no fear or excessive concerns.
The Papua PON this year is indubitably overshadowed by several concerns, most importantly by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, 34 contingents were exposed to the virus with no symptoms.
To this end, Minister Amali reminded every participant to stay vigilant by diligently following strict health protocols. Those exposed to the virus must be taken care of immediately in accordance with procedures, and it is hoped that they will recover and be healthy in the near future, he stated.
Officials from the Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry also continued to manage the event by directly monitoring the match venues. This is a commitment to ensure safety in accordance with procedures.
"We are optimistic of the XX Papua PON running well until the closing ceremony when the vice president plans to attend on October 15," Minister Amali noted.
The minister also expects the multi-sport events to be able to showcase the athletes' achievements from 34 provinces as well as the talent-scouting prospects for national training in future.
Earlier, the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) had also demonstrated its support to develop Papua as an athlete training center regardless of the existing supporting venues and equipment, such as the Aquatic Arena, Istora Papua Bangkit, cricket venue, and an indoor and outdoor hockey field.
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Translator: Bayu Kuncahyo, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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