In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and security issues from armed criminal groups, health volunteers and security forces are an important element behind the implementation of the 2021 Papua National Games.
By
FABIO MARIA LOPEZ COSTA/ADRIAN FAJRIANSYAH/KELVIN HIANUSA/MUHAMMAD IKHSAN MAHAR
·3 minutes read
In the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic and worries about security disturbances, health volunteers and security forces have played a key role at the Papua 2021 National Games (PON). A number of people working behind the scenes have contributed significantly to preventing any significant disruption during the quadrennial event as of Wednesday (13/10/2021).
Amidst the cheers of fellow spectators at a basketball game last Wednesday (6/10) at PT Freeport Indonesia's Mimika Sports Complex in Timika city, Mimika Regency, Jaqline C. Gala (31) monitored the movements of the crowd with his eagle-like eyes. Jaqline reprimanded one boy and two girls for sitting too close together.
However, they ignored his warning. Finally, Jaqline ordered the stubborn trio to leave the venue. An argument started between Jaqline and the three visitors, but they left quickly when security officers came over.
"I have to be firm because Mimika is still considered a red (high risk) zone for Covid-19 transmission. If you are not firm, it will endanger everyone, including myself," said Jaqline.
If someone gets angry, I just listen to them, but the rules must still be enforced
Jaqline is one of 27 volunteers assigned to help monitor and implement health protocol compliance at the PON basketball venue. As a volunteer, he often has to argue with recalcitrant visitors.
At Barnabas Youwe Stadium in Jayapura regency, Isaiah, a volunteer tasked with asking visitors to show their vaccine cards for gaining entry to the Games’ soccer venue, often had to confront visitors. Many visitors forced their way in, even though they did not have the required vaccine card.
"If someone gets angry, I just listen to them, but the rules must still be enforced," he said.
Agustina Kaigere (30), a health protocol volunteer at the entrance to the Lukas Enembe Aquatic Center in Jayapura regency, distributed face masks to every visitor to the center, as many visitors who arrived were not wearing a mask. Visitors who do not wear a mask may not enter the Games venue.
"I don't want the image of PON Papua to become tainted by Covid-19 virus infections. We do not want PON to fail, because it will be difficult to hold any events here again for the next decade," she said.
Meanwhile, Praka Andrian Rusdar (28) of Nabire Battalion 753, assigned to maintain security at the rock climbing venue in Timika, said that he and 39 soldiers and police officers were working hard to ensure the safety of all athletes, officials and spectators.
The security risks during PON are high, according to Andrian. Based on the information he had received, an armed criminal group (KKB) from Intan Jaya was planning to come to Timika to disrupt the multi-sport event.
As a result, Andrian and the 39 other security officers were fully armed and on patrol 24 hours. They took turns sleeping.
Unfortunately, the volunteers’ hard work is not appreciated sufficiently. They were promised daily wages of Rp 300,000, but some have not been paid since 6 Oct. Nevertheless, they continue to fulfill their duties in serving athletes and visitors to ensure that the Games run smoothly volunteer
"At first, I was afraid of Covid-19 transmission and security issues in Papua. However, I feel safe and comfortable in Timika. The volunteers and security forces are very capable. They are all amazing,” said Ulfa Silviana (24), a running athlete from West Java. (FLO/DRI/SAN/KEL)
This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi.