TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Deputy Speaker Syarief Hasan has reiterated his support for the convening of the PON National Games XX and National Paralympic Games XVI in October and November 2021 in Papua province.

"I fully support the convening of the PON National Games XX and the National Paralympic Games XVI hosted by Papua this year. This is one great achievement for Papua province for being able to host the games," Hasan stated in a written statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.

The preparations for the PON and the Paralympic Games are already in their final stage, with most sporting venues and supporting facilities ready to welcome athletes and officials, he noted.

Hasan admitted the dilemma of holding the national games amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but said he felt confident that strict health protocols observed during the games would prevent them from giving rise to COVID-19 infection clusters.

"I am convinced the government and the relevant authority have planned COVID-19 risk management and its mitigation. We now have to support the enforcement and abide by the health protocols at the games' venue," Hasan said.

Earlier on Thursday, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, had assured of the preparedness of the national games committee to hold the PON National Games XX and the National Paralympic Games XVI in Papua.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Zainudin Amali, has coordinated with ministries and institutions to ensure a smooth conduct of the games, he said.

"Let us support the games to reinvigorate our national stability," he added.

The PON National Games are scheduled to take place from October 2 to October 15, 2021, and the National Paralympic Games from November 2 to November 15, 2021. The sports venues for the games are scattered across Jayapura City, Jayapura district, Mimika district, and Merauke district.

Read: Sports Minister Assures PON Papua to be Held on Schedule

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