Jakarta (ANTARA) - Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo said preparations for the 21st National Sports Week (PON) in 2024 have reached 70 percent so far.

"We have heard that the preparation is already 70 percent. We only have to find a solution to speed it up," Ariotedjo said here on Wednesday, after receiving a report from the Chairman of the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) Marciano Norman.

He also received Acting Governor of Aceh Achmad Marzuki and Secretary of North Sumatra Arief Sudarto Trinugroho on Wednesday, to listen to the latest preparations of the 21st PON implementation.

Ariotedjo has noted other needs, such as infrastructure for supporting the 21st PON that will be held in two provinces, Aceh and North Sumatra.

He also hoped that PON 2024 can achieve three successes, including implementation, administration, and achievement.

The minister further said that communication among KONI, and the Aceh and North Sumatra Provincial Governments, has been going well.

He said his side will support other needs for the next year's PON.

"The 2024 National Sports Week must be successful, in terms of implementation, achievement, and administration," he said, adding that he will further report about the development to the President.

Meanwhile, Chairman of KONI Marciano Norman said that all existing stakeholders will work together in maximizing the preparations, thus the process can speed up.

"With this available time, we will optimally improve venue construction and the organizer's readiness. We will encourage sports (associations) to maximize their athletes and set records," Norman said.

On the same occasion, Acting Governor of Aceh Achmad Marzuki said he was optimistic that the implementation of the 21st PON will be successful.

North Sumatra Secretary Arief Sudarto Trinugroho said he hoped that preparations can be finished soon.

"Yes, so far it is still on track. It needs support from the central government," he said.

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Translator: Arindra M, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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