By: Sabby Kosay
PON is a national level sports competition that brings together thousands of athletes from various provinces in Indonesia. Apart from being a competition, PON is also a good moment to build brotherhood, unity and solidarity between regions. Residents in various parts of Indonesia are united and support each other, after seeing the cohesiveness of the athletes during the XX PON.
Unity is something that must be done in order for Indonesia to progress. Unfortunately in recent years, unity and solidarity have been damaged by several things, by different political views, vastly different lifestyle choices, etc. So that instead of helping each other, people ridicule each other and pride themselves to the point where they cross the line.
The XX PON event in Papua can be a good moment to unite the community, because on average they are crazy about football and like sports events. This was proven when there was the 2018 Asian Games, all people united to support the Indonesian national team. So it is hoped that this unity will happen again when PON XX Papua is broadcast on television.
President Jokowi gave a message that PON XX Papua strengthens unity, brotherhood and solidarity between regions. In that sense, when there is an event that unites the support of millions of Indonesians, they will realize that all are local brothers and sisters. So that it will stop the cold war and bully each other on social media.
Unity is very important to implement, especially in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. When all the people unite, they will help each other, not insult each other. Yet many people are trying to erase the ill effects of the pandemic. For example, by holding social service events, raising funds for the poor, joint ventures for scholarships, etc.
When the people unite, they will be united with each other and ignore hoaxes and persuasion by radicals and separatists, who want to mess up peace in Indonesia. Therefore, we must contribute to the success of PON XX, by expressing support on social media. As well as to popularize this sports competition, so that more netizens will support it.
Solidarity between regions is also important, because every citizen of course understands a single diversity, different but one thing. Even though we are composed of many tribes and have different beliefs, we are still solid and united for the sake of the Indonesian people. There is no longer anyone who insults people from other tribes or belittles youths from certain areas, because they understand that all are the same. All are Indonesian people.
The President also advised that PON XX would show the great talents of indigenous Papuans in the field of sports. So far, quite a number of national athletes are Papuans, such as Elie Aiboy, Lisa Rumbewas, Boaz Salossa, etc. So that when the XX PON takes place, the audience will know that there are young athletes who are also outstanding, such as Osvaldo Haay and Natan Animan.
When there are Papuan athletes who excel, it will show the greatness of the people of the Earth of Cendrawasih. They are not only physically strong, but also mentally. Because an athlete is not only required to be able to exercise every day with a minimum duration of 1 hour. But he also has to be good at playing strategy and mentally strong when in the arena of competition.
The 20th national sports week in Papua will establish brotherhood, unity and solidarity between regions. This event will show that all Indonesian citizens are compatriots and countrymen, and are not easily broken by the actions of the unscrupulous. In addition, PON will increase solidarity between regions and we all help each other and no longer bully on social media.
(The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta)
