Jayapura (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has said that the government is currently formulating a regulation to officially designate Papua as a "province of sports" in an effort to develop Indonesian athletes' talents.

"The government is currently devising the legal foundation," he informed during a dialogue with Papuan sports figures at the Papua Bangkit Stadium, Jayapura district, on Wednesday.

The Vice President affirmed that the government has resolved to name Papua as Indonesia's "province of sports."

The government has currently invited suggestions from the relevant agencies and asked them to share study results, he said adding that it is also heeding the aspirations of the people of the province.

He noted that Papua is blessed with a number of talented athletes who can compete at the national and international levels in several sports branches.

According to VP Amin, Papua is home to various international-level sports venues, some of which were used for the 20th National Sports Week (PON) on October 2–15, 2021.

"Papua wields enormous potential. The government has also made a notable effort by building this magnificent stadium (Papua Bangkit Stadium), which has become one of the largest stadiums in Indonesia," he noted.

He also dubbed the 20th PON as an event that showcased the province's might in sports.

"We can find numerous talented athletes in football and other sports branches in Papua. The people of the province love sports," he remarked.

During the dialogue, Jack Komboy, a former Indonesian footballer from Papua, urged the government to immediately issue a legal basis for Papua to become a "province of sports."

"It is necessary for the government to immediately formulate a legal basis that can support Papua's status as a 'province of sports,' be it in the form of a presidential decree, presidential regulation, or others," he said.

Currently, Komboy is serving as the head of Commission V of the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) of Papua province.

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Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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