By: Timothy Gobay) *
The PON XX which will be held in Papua in October 2021 will bring progress to the people of Cendrawasih Earth. The large number of sports facilities built will be beneficial, not only for athletes but also for civilians. In addition, infrastructure is also being repaired so that it can be utilized by the Papuan people.
Papua is an area in eastern Indonesia that is believed to be the organizer of the National Sports Week (PON) XX. Even though it was postponed a year from the original schedule, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the existence of this event is still beneficial for the people on Earth of Cendrawasih. They are also proud because they are trusted to host this grand event.
When Papua hosted the PON, many sports facilities were built. Among them are the Lukas Enembe stadium, the rising sports palace (istora), the Papua Bangkit Aquatic, hockey field, baseball field, and the Dominggus Mandacan Circuit. In addition there are also temporary sports rides such as diving, paragliding, sailing, and hang gliding.
Head of the Papua Province Sports and Youth Office Alex Kapisa stated that there were 12 PON match locations that had been renovated. So that when PON takes place from 2 to 14 October 2021, it is ready to be used by athletes from other provinces and from Papua and West Papua, to compete.
The number of sports facilities is certainly very beneficial. Because after PON, people can use it to exercise. For example, Lukas Enembe Stadium is the largest stadium in eastern Indonesia. So that the possibility of being used as a new headquarters for the Papuan football team. It is also used by civilians to practice running and other athletic sports.
The community also benefited from the emergence of Aquatik Papua, because it could be that after the PON, it would be leased to the public. They can feel the sensation of swimming in a new place with international standards. So that his body will be healthier and more fit.
The benefits for the Papuan people are not only in terms of sports. When there was a PON in Bumi Cendrawasih, the local government would not only build other venues and arenas. But they also perfect the infrastructure to support the smooth running of PON events.
The road was re-paved and designed to be strong for buses and other vehicles carrying PON athletes. Street lighting is also complete, so that people are no longer afraid of crossing the area. When the streets are bright, it will reduce the possibility of being disturbed by thugs. So that security will increase.
The bridge will also be repaired, to facilitate transportation for athlete guests who come from various provinces in Indonesia. The face of Papua will be even more beautiful, because the infrastructure is polished, so that it makes guests feel comfortable. This also benefits civilians because their transportation is smooth.
In addition, when there is a PON in Papua, people can sell souvenirs and souvenirs from Bumi Cendrawasih, to athletes, coaches, and their friends. They will benefit from having a new market share, which likes exotic souvenirs. The economy will increase because of it.
This progress is what the Papuan regional government and the central government are hoping for. So that Papua is free from the negative stigma of being an abandoned area or just a virgin forest. It turns out that the original face of Papua is very beautiful, exotic, and modern. So that people on other islands will be interested in a vacation to Raja Ampat and other places in Papua.
Let’s support PON XX in Papua for the betterment of the people on Earth of Cendrawasih. They are very happy because finally they have a good stadium, complete sports facilities, and also new infrastructure. So it makes transportation easier and automatically advances the Papuan people.
) * The author is a Papuan student living in Gorontalo