Safe Papua for PON and Peparnas

Kompas/Wawan H Prabowo

Riders pass through the promotional media for the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) installed at the HI Roundabout, Jakarta, Friday (3/9/2021).

In just 28 days, the National Games (PON) are to be held in Indonesia’s easternmost region of Papua.

Efforts need to be made to ensure a safe event next month followed by National Paralympic Week (Peparnas) the following month, as security has become a concern in the wake of a recent deadly attack by a group of armed people.

Using machettes, about 30 members of an armed criminal group (KKB) stormed the Kisor military post in Maybrat regency, West Papua, on Thursday (2/9/2021) at 4 a.m. Eastern Indonesian Time (WIT).

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Four members of the Army were killed in the assault. Their bodies were laid for last respects at the 181/Praja Vira Tama Military Command Headquarters in Sorong on Friday (3/9/2021) before being transported to their hometowns for burial (Kompas, 3/9/2021).

Kompas Research and Development data list at least 11 security disturbances between January and early September.

The disturbances include the burning of public facilities, such as schools, telecommunications facilities, and aircraft, as well as the shooting of residents, workers, soldiers and police officers. Clashes have occured several times between joint security forces of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police (Polri) and armed insurgent groups.

Under normal circumstances, security disturbances need to be addressed as soon as possible and anticipatory measures should be taken against a possible repeat of the incidents.

It is becoming increasingly urgent to address disturbances such as these, as Papua is going to host the PON and Peparnas. PON will take place from 2 to 15 October, while Peparnas from 2 to 15 November.

In addition to security issues, it must be ensured that the PON do not become a cluster of Covid-19 transmission.

KOMPAS/KODAM XVIII KASUARI

The Commander of the XVIII/Kasuari Military Regional Command, Major General TNI I Nyoman Cantiasa gave a press statement regarding the attack by armed criminal groups against TNI personnel in Manokwari Regency, West Papua, Thursday (2/9/2021).

First held in 1948 in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia’s biggest multi-sport showcase is a display of the best athletes from 34 provinces. National athletes with international reputation will also be proud to represent their province at the PON and Peparnas.

It will be the 20th edtion of the PON and Papua becomes the sixth host outside Java following Medan (North Sumatra) in 1953, Makassar (South Sulawesi) in 1957, Palembang (South Sumatra) in 2004, Samarinda (East Kalimantan) in 2008 and Pekanbaru (Riau) in 2012.

The Papua PON were initially scheduled to take place last year but were postponed until this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The central and regional governments and related elements must ensure that the Papua PON 2020 are safe and smooth as in any of the previous editions.

Never before have the PON been affected by security disturbances. The central and regional governments and related elements must ensure that the Papua PON 2020 are safe and smooth as in any of the previous editions.

Sports competition of the 20th PON will take place at venues located in four regencies/cities: Jayapura city, Jayapura regency, Mimika regency and Merauke regency.

The 20th PON are expected to be a source of pride for the Papuan people on the national and international stage, as Papuan Governor Lukas Enembe said in his speech after Papua was announced as the PON host back in April 2017.

By guaranteeing security, the PON can be held in the best possible way, including ensuring the best performances of 6,496 athletes from 34 provinces. The expected high performances of the athletes will spur the creation of new national records.

People across Indonesia will be watching and hoping that the Papua PON 2020 are a safe and successful event.

(This article was translated by Musthofid).