The 18 sports venues are located in various regions across Aceh Province, including Banda Aceh City, Aceh Besar District, Pidie District, and Central Aceh District.Jakarta (ANTARA) -
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), in Banda Aceh, Aceh Province, on Monday, inaugurated 18 venues for the 2024 Aceh-North Sumatra National Sports Week (PON) that have been rehabilitated, renovated, or built in the province.
"Since 2023, the government has been renovating and has constructed 18 venues in Aceh Province, with a budget totaling Rp811 billion (US$52.6 million)," he remarked during the inauguration ceremony centered at H. Dimurthala Stadium, which was observed from Jakarta via a video broadcast.
The 18 sports venues are located in various regions across Aceh Province, including Banda Aceh City, Aceh Besar District, Pidie District, and Central Aceh District.
In his speech, Jokowi urged regional governments to take good care of the venues and make the most of them.
The president emphasized that he did not want to see the venues being left idle and abandoned after the 21st PON concludes on September 20.
He then instructed local leaders to manage the use of the sporting facilities in a professional manner so they remain maintained and can serve their purpose for decades to come.
"I want you to make the most of these venues as platforms to screen and train future sports stars and prepare local athletes for national and international competitions," he told local officials.
The head of state officiated the 18 venues by triggering a siren with a button. He then conducted a first-hand inspection of the H. Dimurthala Stadium.
The 2024 PON marks the first edition of such an event to be held simultaneously in the two provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra.
At least 13 thousand athletes hailing from all regions across Indonesia, including four new Papuan provinces and Nusantara Capital City, are vying for medals in 65 sports in a total of 20 districts and cities in Aceh and North Sumatra.
Although the opening ceremony will only take place this evening, some matches have been underway since August due to their lengthier competitions.
"Since 2023, the government has been renovating and has constructed 18 venues in Aceh Province, with a budget totaling Rp811 billion (US$52.6 million)," he remarked during the inauguration ceremony centered at H. Dimurthala Stadium, which was observed from Jakarta via a video broadcast.
The 18 sports venues are located in various regions across Aceh Province, including Banda Aceh City, Aceh Besar District, Pidie District, and Central Aceh District.
In his speech, Jokowi urged regional governments to take good care of the venues and make the most of them.
The president emphasized that he did not want to see the venues being left idle and abandoned after the 21st PON concludes on September 20.
He then instructed local leaders to manage the use of the sporting facilities in a professional manner so they remain maintained and can serve their purpose for decades to come.
"I want you to make the most of these venues as platforms to screen and train future sports stars and prepare local athletes for national and international competitions," he told local officials.
The head of state officiated the 18 venues by triggering a siren with a button. He then conducted a first-hand inspection of the H. Dimurthala Stadium.
The 2024 PON marks the first edition of such an event to be held simultaneously in the two provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra.
At least 13 thousand athletes hailing from all regions across Indonesia, including four new Papuan provinces and Nusantara Capital City, are vying for medals in 65 sports in a total of 20 districts and cities in Aceh and North Sumatra.
Although the opening ceremony will only take place this evening, some matches have been underway since August due to their lengthier competitions.
Translator: Rangga P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
