"Congratulations to West Java for being the general champion at the National Sports Week. This achievement is a source of pride for the region, especially the people of West Java," she noted in a statement received here on Friday.
The House speaker made the statement since as of Thursday, October 14, West Java had won the maximum number of medals, totaling 133 gold, 105 silver, and 115 bronze.
West Java outperformed Jakarta, which stood second, with its collection of 110 gold, 91 silver, and 100 bronze medals. On the other hand, East Java came third, bringing home as many as 110 gold, 89 silver, and 88 bronze medals.
Maharani attributed West Java's success in the PON Papua to the structured development of athletes. She expected them to excel at the regional and world levels in future.
The House speaker also lauded all provinces that participated in the large-scale sporting event. Maharani believes all contingents put in their best efforts for their respective regions.
"The National Sports Week has created new, outstanding athletes, who will later carry the name of Indonesia in national sporting events," she noted.
Maharani lauded Papua Province as the host of the 20th PON, given its capability to host and organize the grand event despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The House speaker also assessed that the achievement of the Papuan contingent was quite remarkable, so it was proof that the region was able to hold national-scale activities without any security disturbances.
She also reminded all parties to remain cautious of COVID-19 after the PON event came to a close on Friday, October 15.
"Ensure the contingents and officials are completely free of COVID-19. Follow the rules that must be adhered to, including quarantine when they arrive in their respective regions. The implementation of SOP also applies to the Papuan contingent. We do not want this grand event to give rise to new problems," she stated.
The House speaker commended the organizers' prompt and careful response to address COVID-19 issues when several athletes and officials were reportedly confirmed to have contracted the virus during the event.
Maharani noted that an evaluation for the future would be conducted after confirming that some activities did not impose stricter health protocols.
Maharani noted that the success of the 20th PON was largely dependent on the imposition of strict procedures, so that aspects that are still lacking would serve as lessons and examples for the future.
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Translator: Imam Budilaksono, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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