By: Abner Wanggai ) *
The Papua Provincial Government has convinced the community that the PON 2020 will have a positive impact on the development of Papua. The community has also been asked not to worry about security conditions in Papua. The reason , in addition to as the arena of competition , PON XX is also an event to introduce the talents of Papua to the world.
In the midst of security issues in Papua, the Provincial Government of Papua has also tried to convince the public of the importance of multievent PON XX in Papua. Because the PON will also be a tool to spur the economy with infrastructure development and the presence of competing athletes.
PON XX will be enlivened with 37 sports, 56 sports disciplines, 679 competition numbers and 6,442 athletes. All athletes are expected to perform optimally in order to carve a new tail.
In addition, the most prestigious multi event in Indonesia is not only about competition, but also a show of teeth for athletes from Bumi Cenderawasih to be known internationally.
So, with various problems and limitations that exist in Papua, it does not mean that the Province in the Eastern Region of Indonesia is minimal in achievement. Proven at the 2019 SEA Games, Papua sent 30 athletes who fought in several branches of sports such as weightlifting and athletics.
One native Papuan who has international achievements is Lisa Rumbewas. It can be said that Asians can match Lisa’s expertise in Weightlifting matters.
Lifter from Jayapura, born on September 10, 1980, is one of the Papuan female athletes who often steal international prestigious championship medals in Indonesia.
Throughout her career, Lisa has succeeded in bringing Indonesia’s name to 2 silver medals from the Olympics, and she also managed to win a silver medal in the 48th class at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
In addition, there are still talents from the land of Papua, namely Franklin Ramses Burumi, although not a superior athlete, but at the 2011 SEA Games, he succeeded in bringing the red and white on the highest podium with extraordinary achievements, namely 3 gold at number 100 meters, 200 meters and 4 x 100 meter male relay.
Franklin was also in the spotlight. All eyes of the Indonesian people are on him because of his quirky hair style and humorous nature.
From soccer cabo , the land of Papua certainly never lacks talent, names like Boaz Solossa and Patrich Wanggai often become the choice to enter the Indonesian national team.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Marci ano Norman hopes that Indonesian athletes are able to carve a national and even world record at the 2020 Papua National Sports Week (PON).
Marciano said that he believed that the PON in Papua would be carried out well, the success of the PON must also be accompanied by the broken national record if it could be the world.
Marciano Norman expressed his support to the Papua Province so that it would not only become a host, but could also meet the target of reaching the top 5.
According to him, the PON XX event in Papua must be a reflection of the revival of Papuan sports in Indonesia. Not only through the top five, but must try to become a champion.
Of course, this great intention is a prestigious challenge for the land of Papua, as well as proving to the country that Papua also has achievements like other parts of Indonesia.
In order to support this, KONI and Kemenpora promised to work hard to build infrastructure properly so that Indonesian athletes can compete optimally.
On the same occasion, the Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin also revealed that he would continue to work together with KONI and the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) to prepare PON Papua.
He admitted, that the Ministry of Youth and Sports, KONI and KOI will work together continuously so that there are no boundaries anymore. He also felt happy with the communication between the Menpora with the KONI and Ketum KOI Ketum.
Former Menpora Imam Nahrawi once said that he wanted that with the venues built by Post PON, this would encourage the birth of new athletes in Papua.
We all hope that new athletes in Papua will be able to contribute not only to make Papua proud, but also to excel at the world level and be able to fly the red-and-white flag on the international scene. It’s time to support PON Papua, Torang Can !
) * The writer is a Papuan student living in Jakarta
