"The local government must support the environment around the sports facilities with a number of commercial facilities that can spur income and help with the maintenance costs," Zainudin Amali said at an online talk show on XX Papua PON's evaluation, which was organized by the PON Media Center for Jakarta on Thursday.
He emphasized that the use of existing facilities and infrastructure at Papua PON should not only rely on sports activities but must be combined with other activities that contribute to increasing income.
"I think if the venue is used only for sports with no support from the surrounding area, it will be difficult," he remarked.
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Amali cited the example of Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK), which does not only rely on income from sports events but also music concerts and other events.
"Let us take a look at GBK for an example. The surrounding area is also flourishing such as Senayan city. With that, GBK will have income for maintenance. We hope Papua could get the idea," he remarked.
Minister Amali said he will hold a meeting with the Papua provincial government to look at the design and concept for utilizing the sports facilities after the PON.
In addition to these efforts, the minister also called for national and international sports competitions to be held in Papua, saying the province has several sports venues of international standards.
"We are also focusing on international sports events to be held in Papua," he added.
Related news: Minister urges effective utilization of sports facilities post PON
Translator: Sihol M H, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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