By: Tengku Hanif Sabri )*
The 2024 National Sports Week (PON) is a historic moment for Aceh and North Sumatra (Sumut) as co-hosts. The largest sporting event in Indonesia is expected to not only be a means of competition, but also to demonstrate the ability of the two provinces to organize national-scale events. With thorough preparation in various sectors, Aceh and Sumut are determined to make new history in the world of Indonesian sports.
One of the main focuses in preparation for PON 2024 is the development and improvement of infrastructure. In Aceh, several sports venues have entered the final stages of construction, while others are in the process of renovation. Harapan Bangsa Stadium in Banda Aceh, for example, has undergone major improvements to ensure its facilities meet national and international standards. Likewise in North Sumatra, venues such as Teladan Stadium in Medan have had their capacity and facilities upgraded to support the implementation of various sports.
The Head of the Central Committee (PB) for the Aceh-Sumut PON for the North Sumatra region and Acting Governor of North Sumatra, Agus Fatoni, expressed his confidence that the 2024 PON will run according to schedule. The opening will be held in Aceh on September 8 and the closing in North Sumatra on September 20. Agus is optimistic that all preparations, especially the construction of the main venue at the North Sumatra Sport Center Main Stadium, Sena Village, Deli Serdang Regency, will be completed on time. The grass planting process has begun and physical construction will be completed by the end of July 2024.
The same optimism was shown by the Acting Governor of Aceh, Dr. H. Safrizal ZA, M.Si, Safrizal conducted a surprise inspection on Monday, September 2, 2024, to review the preparations for the opening ceremony of PON XXI Aceh-North Sumatra at the Harapan Bangsa Stadium. During his visit, Safrizal was greeted by the event organizer (EO) team responsible for the opening ceremony and the contractors working on the construction of the stadium.
During the inspection, Safrizal checked various aspects of the preparation, including lighting, sound system, stage, and the condition of the stadium grass. He assessed that Harapan Bangsa Stadium has met international standards and believes that the opening ceremony will be lively and impressive.
Safrizal instructed the EO team to work optimally in preparing the grand opening event. He emphasized the importance of good coordination with all related parties to avoid problems during the preparation.
Furthermore, Safrizal stated that the opening ceremony scheduled for September 9 will receive special attention. The host plans to present various performances that highlight the nuances of Aceh in a magnificent and different way. Safrizal hopes that the event will not only leave a deep impression on the President, but also on all audiences from all over the country.
In Aceh, 33 sports will be competed in 42 venues spread across 10 districts/cities, including West Aceh, Banda Aceh, Sabang, Aceh Besar, Pidie, North Aceh, East Aceh, Bener Meriah, Central Aceh and Southeast Aceh.
A total of 19 venues in Aceh are undergoing renovations that began in January 2024, with budget support of almost IDR 1 trillion from the central government through the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing. In North Sumatra, 34 sports will be competed in 38 arenas. Currently, five new arenas are in the final stages of construction, while others are undergoing renovations.
Aceh also confirmed their readiness to welcome all participants of the 2024 Aceh-North Sumatra PON, by ensuring that the sports competed in do not violate the traditions or Islamic law in force in Aceh. Discussions related to the implementation of Islamic law in the 2024 PON were one of the topics discussed in the Merdeka Barat Forum (FMB 9) program held by the Ministry of Communication and Information. In the discussion, Deputy Daily II of the PB PON for the Aceh region, Iskandar, emphasized Aceh’s commitment to being a participatory host.
The Aceh Regional Committee also conducted test events for several sports, including 5×5 basketball, tennis, tarung Derajat, and fencing. This test event is an important part of the preparation for the 2024 PON, which aims to evaluate the readiness of facilities, equipment, and organizations before the official competition begins with a focus on testing the readiness of various aspects of the PON in Aceh.
According to information from the official website of PON Aceh-Sumut Aceh Region, Head of the Aceh Youth and Sports Agency, M. Nasir Syamaun, emphasized that this simulation is an important step in ensuring their overall readiness. Nasir emphasized that this trial will not only evaluate technical readiness, such as field conditions and sports equipment, but also assess the organization’s ability to manage large-scale events.
With thorough preparation and support from various parties, Aceh and North Sumatra are optimistic that they can successfully organize PON 2024. Infrastructure readiness, human resource development, and community enthusiasm are strong capital for these two provinces to create new history in the world of Indonesian sports.
PON 2024 is not only a competition event, but also a symbol of togetherness and national unity. With this spirit, Aceh and North Sumatra are committed to giving their best, making PON 2024 an event that is not only technically successful, but also brings pride to all Indonesian people.
)* Sports World Observer