By: Nurul Intan Syahrani
The implementation of the XXI Aceh-North Sumatra National Sports Week (PON) which will take place in 2024 is one of the most prestigious events in the Indonesian sports calendar. In addition to being a celebration of the achievements of athletes from all over the archipelago, this PON is also a benchmark for the country’s ability to manage major events safely and orderly.
The success of the implementation of this PON cannot be separated from the hard work of the government and security forces who play a role as the main pillars in maintaining the smoothness and security of the event. The full support provided by the Aceh and North Sumatra Regional Police, together with the TNI and various other security elements, is an important key that must be appreciated by the entire community.
Securing a national-scale event like PON is no easy task. Thousands of participants from all over Indonesia come to compete in various sports, while local people and spectators from various regions also attend to watch the matches live.
This situation requires security forces to work extra hard to maintain order and security, not only at the match location but also in all areas involved in this event, including hotels, tourist attractions, and public facilities.
The maximum efforts made by the Aceh Police and the North Sumatra Police by involving more than 10 thousand joint personnel are an example of real commitment from the authorities.
Aceh Police Chief, Inspector General Achmad Kartiko, in his statement said that the number of personnel deployed consisted of 4,579 Polri members, 4,190 TNI, 1,154 Satpol PP personnel, and 162 Basarnas members. All of these forces were deployed in a special operation called Operation Po Meurah Seulawah 2024.
This operation not only focuses on preventive and preemptive actions, but also on law enforcement and early detection of potential security disturbances. This step was taken to ensure that the implementation of PON XXI can run smoothly and safely, from the arrival of the contingent to the return of the participants.
Not only deploying personnel, the Aceh Police also provide three security posts that are ready to serve 24 hours. These posts are, among others, at the Harapan Bangsa Stadium, the Aceh Police Command Center, and the K3 Post (Control, Coordination, Communication, and Information) of the Traffic Corps of the Indonesian National Police Headquarters. The presence of these posts aims to make it easier for the public and the PON committee to coordinate in the event of an emergency situation or security problem.
However, physical and personnel security are not the only main focus of the government and security forces. PON XXI also presents new challenges in terms of cybersecurity and technology, given the increasingly rapid development of technology.
To overcome this, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) does not only rely on personnel in the field, but also integrates the use of sophisticated technology in its security efforts. One of the technological equipment used is face recognition and plate recognition to monitor vehicles.
In addition, the National Police also utilize drones and CCTV surveillance systems at various strategic points, especially in locations that are the center of crowds during the PON.
Head of Public Relations of the North Sumatra Regional Police, Senior Commissioner of Police Hadi Wahyudi, explained that various modern equipment is part of the Police’s efforts to improve supervision and control during the event.
With this advanced technology, security forces can more quickly detect potential security disturbances and take preventive action before the situation gets out of control.
On the other hand, the success of PON lies not only in the active role of security forces, but also in the participation of local communities. Aceh Police Chief, Inspector General Achmad Kartiko, emphasized the importance of the role of the community in supporting the smooth running of this event.
He appealed to all Acehnese people to give full support to the athletes competing, both from Aceh and from other regions. The community is expected to show hospitality to guests, maintain sportsmanship, and comply with every direction given by the authorities, especially in terms of traffic management and use of public facilities.
An event as big as PON not only brings positive impacts to the world of sports, but also becomes a golden opportunity for Aceh and North Sumatra to promote their regional potential. Therefore, it is important for all elements of society to unite and work together for the success of this event.
Not only in terms of security, but also in terms of the impression left by guests who come from various parts of Indonesia. Thus, PON XXI can be a momentum to strengthen the positive image of Aceh as a friendly, beautiful, and safe area for visitors.
In the end, the success of PON XXI Aceh-Sumut is not only about sporting achievements, but also about how a country is able to unite to organize a major event that is safe and orderly. The government and security forces have played a role as the main pillars in maintaining stability and security during the event.
However, this success also requires full support from the community. Let us together make this PON XXI a national pride event, where achievement, sportsmanship, and unity are the values that are put forward. With the spirit of mutual cooperation, PON XXI Aceh-Sumut becomes a momentum of shared glory.
*) Student of Ar-Raniry State Islamic University