By: Laras Indah Sari
The National Sports Week (PON) XXI Aceh-North Sumatra will conclude on September 20, 2024. In this regard, President Jokowi, as the leader of the nation who always focuses on improving the quality of the sports sector, also appreciates the success of the PON XXI event as a unifying platform for the nation and a momentum for the development of national athletes who can bring Indonesia’s name to prominence on the international stage.
The implementation of the XXI National Sports Week has concluded and has brought a positive impact on the advancement of sports in the country. Nevertheless, there are several government notes to improve the multi-event program. In this regard, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, who has been in office since 2014, emphasized that a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of PON XXI will be conducted. The evaluation focus not only includes the venue or sports facilities but also the aspects of consumption and accommodation for the athletes.
As a leader who consistently advocates for transparency in governance, the Head of State emphasized that every complaint from athletes and officials, including those related to the food menu, will be taken into consideration for evaluation. This is expected to enhance the quality of future events.
In President Joko Widodo’s view, the evaluation of PON XXI is very important. Not only to identify existing problems, but also to address shortcomings that could hinder the smooth running of the biggest sporting event in Indonesia.
According to him, this evaluation is part of a long process towards better improvement. The XXI PON is not just about sports competition, but also serves as a platform to affirm the quality of organization at the national level.
President Jokowi stated that the corrections and improvements being made now will ensure that future sporting events will run more smoothly and professionally.
On the other hand, the Deputy for Sports Achievement Improvement at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Surono, has high hopes for the successful implementation of PON XXI. I see that this four-year national sports event plays a strategic role in nurturing young athletes who are ready to bring honor to the nation on the international stage.
Surono also believes that PON XXI must be a successful example not only in terms of athlete achievements but also in organization, administration, and economic contribution. With the long-term development in accordance with the mandate of the National Sports Grand Design (DBON), the XXI National Sports Week (PON) is expected to identify potential athletes who will represent Indonesia in major multi-event competitions such as the Asian Games and the Olympics.
As a sporting event organized by KONI, the 2024 PON serves as an important platform for the development of sports in Indonesia. President Jokowi understands that the organization of this event must be able to meet public expectations, especially regarding adequate infrastructure and facilities.
In this context, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo, expressed high appreciation for the quality of the XXI National Sports Week (PON), which is considered on par with Olympic standards. According to the Minister, the quick response from the organizing team to various public inputs demonstrates their seriousness in maintaining the quality of the event.
In addition, the Minister of Youth and Sports also noted that the quality of the XXI National Sports Week (PON) is even superior compared to the recently held SEA Games in Cambodia. This underscores that the government, through various efforts and evaluations, has succeeded in raising the standards of national sports event organization.
With two Task Forces specifically established to oversee the implementation of the National Sports Week (PON), the Minister of Youth and Sports feels confident that the oversight mechanism is functioning well. These Task Forces will ensure that every aspect, from facilities to management, operates in accordance with public expectations.
Furthermore, the Minister of Youth and Sports also invites the public to actively voice their complaints or suggestions regarding the organization of PON XXI. For him, public involvement is the key to the success of this event.
With the issuance of Presidential Decree (Keppres) Number 24 of 2024, which serves as the legal basis for the implementation of the National Sports Week (PON), the Minister of Youth and Sports is optimistic that PON XXI will set a new standard for sports events in Indonesia. This is also supported by the extraordinary preparations demonstrated by the Aceh-North Sumatra PON Committee.
It’s not just about the success of the event’s organization; the economic impact of this sports event is also a major concern. Surono emphasized that besides producing athletic achievements, the XXI National Sports Week is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
With the influx of tourists and participants, the tourism sector and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Aceh and North Sumatra have received a significant economic boost. This is in line with the government’s efforts to make national sports events a driver of regional economy.
The success of PON XXI so far cannot be separated from the special attention given by President Jokowi and his team. The ongoing evaluation and quick response to various public inputs serve as evidence of the government’s seriousness in maintaining the quality of this event’s organization.
As a leader who always prioritizes the progress of the nation, President Jokowi has demonstrated a high level of dedication in ensuring that every aspect of PON XXI runs smoothly and meets expectations.
With the various achievements that have been attained so far, the PON XXI Aceh-Sumut 2024 is expected to become a new milestone in the history of Indonesian sports. Not only in terms of athletic achievements, but also in terms of professional organization that has a broad impact on the local economy.
President Jokowi, along with all stakeholders, has demonstrated his commitment to making PON XXI a national sports event that is a source of pride in the eyes of the world.
*) Social Policy Observer – Madani Institute Social Institution