By: Rebeca Marian) *
The XX PON in Papua will bring progress, not only in sports, but also in infrastructure. This event also supports the national economic recovery program, because when Jayapura and other cities are crowded with PON contingents, it has a positive impact on the people of Papua. They can sell souvenirs, food and other items to athletes.
National economic recovery is a government program to restore Indonesia’s financial condition, so that it can rise after being hit by a pandemic storm. The trick is to build infrastructure to facilitate citizen mobility, reduce taxes, and reduce credit for MSMEs.
One of the ways to restore the national economy is by supporting PON XX in Papua. So what is the relationship between this program and sports competitions? According to the mayor of Jayapura, Dr Benhur Tomi Mano, PON is a national event to increase local revenue (PAD). Because there are many visitors in Papua, from athletes to supporters.
Dr Benhur continued, when welcoming PON, everything had to be prepared. Starting from security, order, cleanliness, facilities, to tourist objects and culinary spots. Because athletes and officials will compete in the stadium and enjoy the natural beauty of Papua and its special food.
When athletes eat at the culinary center of Papua, they usually upload their photos on Instagram. It will be a free promotion, to further popularize typical Papuan food. Netizens also popularized the place to eat, both via Twitter and Instagram. So that the content will be more viral.
On earth of paradise there is not only sago porridge, but also other delicious dishes such as lontar cakes, grilled fish, chili colo-colo, etc. So that netizens will participate in introducing the delicacy of traditional Papuan food.
When the culinary center goes viral, it will be invaded by visitors, namely Papuans. If the place is crowded, food vendors will benefit because their turnover increases. This will make the national economic recovery successful. Because MSME businesses such as food stalls can be crowded with new customers. They no longer bite their fingers because their business was quiet during the pandemic.
In addition, the national economic recovery program via the XX PON route occurs because the indigenous Papuans are passionate about selling souvenirs, for athletes, officials , and supporters. They will be happy because they can buy noken bags, Asmat statues, typical Papuan batik, wood carvings, and exotic souvenirs such as ant nests (for herbal medicine) and koteka.
Citizens will also neutralize typical Papuan souvenirs. So that UMKM entrepreneurs see it as a golden opportunity. They can distribute this unique souvenir to various regions in Indonesia, because the goods are already very popular on social media.
Many traders will be happy because their sales are selling well, they can even be sent outside Papua. When the business is busy, the turnover goes up. It can get multiple benefits and get out of the gloomy pandemic.
In addition, the tourism sector will be helped. Because the world’s eyes are on the natural beauty of Papua, which is recorded during sports competitions. PON is an arena to promote the exoticism of the Earth of Cendrawasih. So people not only know that Raja Ampat exists, but also that there is the Teluk Cendrawasih National Park, Lake Sentani, etc. So that tourism will be crowded again by local and foreign tourists.
This positive domino effect is expected to occur when holding PON XX Papua. Sports competitions will attract large audiences, and they can see how Papua has been transformed into a very modern region suitable as a tourist destination.
) * The author is a Papuan student living in Jakarta
