Based on the various matches that have already taken place in a number of arenas, Papuans were seen to be very enthusiastic in welcoming and watching these sporting events.
By
Kompas Editor
·3 minutes read
Kompas/Wawan H Prabowo
Residents packed the stands of the PON Papua 2021 soccer match between West Java and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) at the Mandala Stadium, Jayapura, Papua, Thursday (30/9/2021). Many viewers have not implemented health protocols to prevent the transmission of Covid-19.
The enthusiasm of Papuans to spectate the 2021 National Games (PON) in Papua amid the COVID-19 pandemic should be accompanied with discipline and strict implementation of health protocols.
For the first time in Indonesia’s history, the National Games are taking place in Papua. This quadrennial multi-sport event will showcase 37 sports, 56 disciplines and 679 matches, with the participation of approximately 6,300 athletes from 34 provinces across the country. The competition is being held in four areas, namely Jayapura city, Jayapura regency, Mimika regency and Merauke regency.
Papua hosting the games is the culmination of the hard work and struggle between the central government, the Papua provincial administration, the Executive Board of Papua PON 2021, the private sector as well as the support of Papuans. They underwent various challenges to construct arena infrastructure, lodging facilities, technical preparations and to also face the pandemic head-on, which is a great challenge for hosting the Games this year.
These sports include softball, baseball, water polo, cricket and archery.
Although Papua PON 2021 will be officially opened on 2 October by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and will last until 15 October 2021, preliminary matches started on 22 September. These sports include softball, baseball, water polo, cricket and archery.
Based on the various matches that have already taken place in a number of arenas, Papuans were seen to be very enthusiastic in welcoming and watching these sporting events. Such enthusiasm is reasonable given that Papua rarely ever hosts national sports events, despite the fact that Indonesia’s easternmost province is home to many national athletes, such as in football and athletics.
On the other hand, organizing such a grand sporting event amid the pandemic has invited such enthusiasm and excitement that it is feared new COVID-19 clusters could emerge if strict health protocols are not implemented.
Kompas/Wawan H Prabowo
Residents packed the rowing competition arena of the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) 2021 in Youtefa Bay, Jayapura City, Wednesday (29/9/2021). A number of residents were engrossed in enthusiasm without implementing the Covid-19 prevention health protocol.
Before the PON were held, the government and PON committee looked to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as a reference on how to organize a sports event during a pandemic. However, achieving this standard is no easy task. The Tokyo Olympics were held without spectators, and health protocols for athletes, staff, match officials and journalists were also very strict. All parties involved could only stay within the Olympic “bubble” and were not in contact with the outside world.
The Papua PON allow spectators and audiences, and according to the experiences over the past week, many health protocols have already been violated. There has been inappropriate mask use, a lack of preparations and even some arenas exceeding the 25 percent capacity limit. It will take the cooperation of the government, the organizers, contingent participants and spectators to ensure that health protocols are adhered to. The pandemic is not yet over and we must remain vigilant amid the excitement of sporting events.
