By: Sahwa Zahra
The 21st National Sports Week (PON) held in Aceh and North Sumatra in September 2024 is more than just a sports competition. This PON is a momentum to strengthen the spirit of unity and diversity of the Indonesian nation.
This four-yearly event not only tests the physical abilities of athletes, but also reflects the beauty of Indonesia which is rich in cultural diversity. PON 2024 is a stage where the achievements and fighting spirit of the nation’s children are fostered, accompanied by the diversity that unites us as a nation.
This sporting event opens up an opportunity for all athletes from various regions to show their best abilities, while also bringing glory to their region. Not only achievement is the goal, but also how this event becomes a symbol of social cohesion, where each contingent brings the spirit of unity in diversity.
Aceh and North Sumatra, the two provinces hosting the PON this time, are areas rich in cultural heritage.
Aceh with its strong local wisdom and Islam, and North Sumatra which is home to various tribes, such as Batak, Malay, and Karo, will combine their cultural richness in every match.
Traditional dances, traditional music, and the warmth of the local community will welcome athletes, officials, and spectators from all over Indonesia, making PON XXI not just a sporting event, but also a celebration of diversity.
In addition, the stadiums and sports facilities prepared in both provinces carry designs that combine local cultural elements. Harapan Bangsa Stadium in Banda Aceh, for example, will not only be a venue for the matches, but also a symbol of how Aceh welcomes athletes from all over the country with open arms.
This spirit of togetherness further confirms that amidst the tight competition, PON remains an event that strengthens national brotherhood.
Every time PON is held, inspiring stories about the struggles of athletes who train hard under limitations become part of the big narrative. Athletes who compete in PON often have to face various challenges on their journey to the peak of achievement.
They train relentlessly, sacrificing many things to make their region proud. Every drop of sweat on the field is proof of the never-give-up spirit that is the foundation of every achievement.
PON 2024 is a stage for young Indonesian talents to prove their abilities. Each match presents inspiring stories that deserve appreciation. Behind every gold, silver, or bronze medal, there is a hard struggle and no small sacrifice.
Athletes from various regions compete with strong determination to achieve the best, while upholding sportsmanship.
For example, the Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi Ansharullah, has given encouragement to the West Sumatra contingent competing in PON XXI. In his speech, he said that every athlete must maintain self-confidence and a strong mentality in facing every match.
Not only that, he also prepared a cash award for athletes who won gold medals, as a form of real support from the local government for their efforts. This shows that achievements in sports are not only the pride of individuals or regions, but also the pride of the nation as a whole.
In addition to West Sumatra, South Sulawesi also did not lag behind in providing full support to its athletes. Former Governor of South Sulawesi, Andi Sudirman Sulaiman, directly provided motivation to the South Sulawesi football contingent that was already in Aceh. The presence of regional leaders like this strengthened the determination of the athletes to perform optimally in this biggest sporting event in Indonesia.
PON XXI not only provides temporary impacts in the form of matches, but also provides long-term benefits in the form of better sports infrastructure development. Stadiums, training centers, and other facilities built or renovated for PON become a legacy for the local community.
These facilities can be used to develop the next generation of athletes, so that Indonesia’s sporting achievements can continue to grow.
Not only that, PON 2024 is also expected to be a momentum for increasing tourism in Aceh and North Sumatra. With the arrival of thousands of athletes, officials, and spectators from all over Indonesia, these two provinces will receive more attention, thus introducing their cultural and natural riches to all of Indonesia.
Typical culinary delights, natural beauty, and the friendliness of the local people will be attractions that enrich the experience of those who come to watch the PON matches.
PON XXI in Aceh and North Sumatra is not just about medals or records. More than that, this event is about how Indonesia as a diverse nation can unite through the spirit of sports.
From every match, we learn that amidst differences, there is unity that can be strengthened. Every athlete who fights in this PON is a representation of the spirit of togetherness that is the strong foundation of our nation.
As a society, let us support and appreciate every athlete competing in PON 2024. With an unyielding spirit and high sportsmanship, they are not only competing to win medals, but also to strengthen the brotherhood of the nation. PON 2024 is a moment for all of us to unite in diversity, celebrate achievements, and carve out new history for Indonesia.
*) Student of Ar-Raniry State Islamic University (UIN Ar-Raniry)