On Thursday (September 5), Effendy conveyed President Joko Widodo's reminder that the arena's construction should not be too large so as to ensure that the post-event maintenance can be carried out properly and productively for the development of athletes.
"The stadium (Harapan Bangsa stadium) capacity is around 14 thousand. This is in accordance with the president's direction. Stadium should not be too big for post-PON maintenance and utilization," the minister remarked.
Effendy conveyed this while reviewing preparations for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Aceh-North Sumatra PON on September 9 at the Harapan Bangsa Stadium, Banda Aceh.
He explained that all arenas built in the four-yearly sports agenda are in accordance with national standards, with some even being of international standards, including the Harapan Bangsa Stadium.
"I think this is the ideal stadium for Aceh. I think it can be used optimally after PON," he remarked.
The minister is optimistic that all sports arenas built for PON would function even after the conclusion of the sporting event and not be abandoned without maintenance after the event.
"We must utilize it after PON, especially to foster and improve the achievements of the talented generation in Aceh, especially sports talents," he remarked.
The 2024 PON will take place in 10 districts and cities in Aceh, comprising Sabang City, Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar, North Aceh, East Aceh, Bener Meriah, Central Aceh, Southeast Aceh, and Pidie.
On the other hand, Effendy urged the people in Aceh to enliven the national sports event by watching various matches spread across several regions.
"With several PON matches in Aceh, we hope the entire Aceh Province can enjoy the sporting event, which may not be held in Aceh for the next 30 years," he stated.
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Translator: Khalis Surry, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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